Montreal Teen Facing Terrorism Charges Faces New Assault Charge

A 17-year-old boy in Montreal, alleged to have planned a terrorist attack on behalf of the Islamic State, is facing a new charge of assaulting a peace officer, following his arrest on August 20. Prosecutor Marc Cigana stated the assault occurred at RCMP headquarters and caused bodily harm to the officer. The youth, whose identity is protected due to his age, is also charged with providing property or services for terrorist purposes, participating in a terrorist group, and facilitating a terrorist activity. The Crown seeks to have the teen sentenced as an adult, which would result in a longer sentence than under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. His defense lawyer, Tiago Murias, has requested more time to prepare the case and develop a release plan, while the Crown opposes the youth's release citing flight risk and potential for further offenses. The case is ongoing, with a court return scheduled for September 12.