RCMP are expected to share more information Tuesday about the investigation that led to terrorism charges being laid against the man accused of firing shots and throwing Molotov cocktails inside Edmonton city hall earlier this year.
On Monday, RCMP announced its Integrated National Security Enforcement Team has charged Bezhani Sarvar, 28, with counselling commission of a terrorism offence and possession of property for terrorist purposes.
Sarvar is also facing nine criminal charges in connection with the Jan. 23 attack at city hall that led to a lockdown. No one was injured during the incident.
In its news release, the RCMP say the following criminal charges laid against Sarvar also constitute terrorism offences:
- Intentionally or recklessly cause damage by fire or explosion to property, knowing the property was inhabited.
- Intentionally possess incendiary material while committing an indictable offence.
- Use of a firearm while committing an indictable offence.
- Intentional discharge of a firearm while being reckless as to the life and safety of another person.
- Possession of a prohibited device (two counts).
- Mischief.
- Carrying a concealed weapon.
- Possession of weapon for the purpose of committing an offence.
Sarvar was scheduled for a bail hearing on Tuesday in Edmonton’s Court of Justice, but the hearing didn’t go ahead.
Following the shooting, Sarvar had been facing six criminal charges which were set to be prosecuted by Alberta Crown prosecutors, but in court Tuesday the provincial Crown withdrew those charges, and advised that a lawyer from the Public Prosecution Service of Canada would be taking over the case to deal with the new federal charges.
Sarvar, who is being held in the Calgary Remand Centre, was not present in court.
In light of the new charges, Sarvar’s defence lawyer asked for more time before proceeding with a bail hearing.
Sarvar’s case will be back in court on March 15.
A news conference will be held in Edmonton at 1 p.m. MT detailing the RCMP investigation.
