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Hamilton Spectator
22 minutes ago
- Hamilton Spectator
B.C. pilot charged with hijacking and terrorism over Vancouver flight
VANCOUVER - A man who allegedly seized a light aircraft in Victoria, setting off a security scare at Vancouver International Airport on Tuesday, has been charged with hijacking and terrorism. A spokeswoman for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada said Wednesday that a charge of hijacking had been filed in Richmond, B.C., constituting a 'terrorist activity' and a 'terrorist offence' under two sections of the Criminal Code. She provided a court file number that matches a case in B.C. provincial court involving a man named Shaheer Cassim. A man with the same name is a former commercial airline pilot based in Victoria who has previously been involved in climate activism, and social media photographs of that man resemble the person arrested on the runway at YVR. Landings at YVR had been halted for more than half an hour on Tuesday afternoon as the Cessna 172 circled at a low altitude in the airspace above the airport. In 2012, Cassim held a news conference in Victoria at the start of a cross-country bicycle trek to raise awareness of global warming. Cassim said at the time that he was a commercial pilot. He used to work for KD Air, a now-defunct airline that was based in Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island. The former owners, Lars and Diana Banke, sold the airline years ago. They said in an interview that Cassim was one of the smartest and best pilots they ever had, but that he believed the world was ending. Lars Banke estimated Cassim flew for KD Air for 'just over a year.' 'He was a good pilot,' Banke said, adding that he was only vaguely aware of the hijacking incident, having seen something on YouTube. 'He was really, really, smart,' he said. 'His intelligence was a problem.' Banke said Cassim got bored and left his pilot job to go to medical school. The couple described him as a caring person, but they hadn't known him to be religious. 'I would say he has a care for the planet,' Lars Banke said. 'He's in no way an evil person, anyway. I mean, he was gonna be a doctor ... and then he was gonna be a farmer because he thought the world was gonna end, so I mean he might not be the most stable.' The couple said they'd heard from Cassim about two years ago, getting a phone call about a potential visit, but nothing came of it and they hadn't heard from him since. The Cessna at the centre of Tuesday's scare had taken off just before 1 p.m. from Victoria airport, where a spokesman said the aircraft was operated by the Victoria Flying Club. Flight radar shows it flew straight to Vancouver's airport before circling for about 25 minutes. Police said it landed at YVR at about 1:45 p.m., and social media videos show a swarm of police vehicles closing in on the taxiing plane, before the bearded pilot emerges and walks backwards towards officers who train their weapons on him. Norad confirmed on Wednesday that it scrambled F-15 fighter jets in response to the alleged hijacking. A spokeswoman for the North American Aerospace Defence Command said additional F-18 fighters were also being readied to respond, but the Cessna landed before those planes were deployed. 'I can confirm that the civilian pilot landed his aircraft before the fighters intercepted it,' she said. 'So, an interception did not occur because of the aircraft landing.' RCMP have not disclosed a potential motive in the case, but a recorded conversation involving a Vancouver air traffic controller suggests the alleged hijacking may have been motivated by 'some type of protest.' In the conversation, which is part of an online archive of air traffic recordings, the grounded pilot of a commercial jet asks why his plane is being held at the gate. An unidentified air traffic controller responds that a Cessna is circling about 500 feet over the airport in an apparent protest and the situation could last 'a couple hours,' although the Cessna landed about 10 minutes later. The controller and the grounded pilot also discuss when such an incident last occurred, and one of them is heard saying 'maybe the '70s.' Another recording of a radio conversation between airport operations for arrivals and departures that occurred while the aircraft was circling above says the suspect 'expected to be arrested.' The incident resulted in what YVR called a 39-minute 'ground stop' for arrivals. Vancouver air-traffic control first mentioned a 'rogue aircraft' shortly after 1 p.m. on Tuesday, asking nearby aircraft to keep an eye out for the Cessna and to inform controllers of any need to 'manoeuvre as necessary.' The Victoria Flying Club said no details could be shared due to an active and ongoing investigation 'with numerous factors still being assessed.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2025.
Bangkok Post
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Thaksin to hear lese-majeste ruling on Aug 22
The Criminal Court will rule on Aug 22 on the royal defamation case against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, his lawyer said on Wednesday. 'We are confident that we will receive justice,' Winyat Chartmontree told reporters, adding that Thaksin would be present to hear the ruling. Thaksin himself testified on Wednesday, along with two other defence witnesses, in the case that stemmed from an interview the former premier gave to a South Korean media outlet in 2015. Mr Winyat said after the hearing that the defence team had initially prepared 14 witnesses. They subsequently decided that the testimony given by three key witnesses was sufficient to support their case. In addition to Thaksin, the court heard from Wissanu Krea-ngam, a former deputy prime minister and legal expert; and Tongthong Chandrangsu, a former permanent secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister. The prosecution presented its witness testimony between July 1 and 3. The court had set aside more days for the defence but in the end Mr Winyat's team required only one day. Thaksin, who will turn 76 on July 26, stands accused of breaching Section 112 of the Criminal Code, the lese majeste law, as well as the Computer Crime Act, for comments made in the 2015 interview with the Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo. A lese-majeste conviction carries a jail tern ranging from three to 15 years. Thaksin arrived at the court at 9.13am in a Mercedes-Benz. Dressed in a yellow necktie and dark suit, he was greeted by his lawyer before they entered the court via a restricted side entrance off-limits to media. The trial session was held behind closed doors, with a strict ban on discussion or dissemination of any news about what was said inside. A crowd of red shirt supporters gathered outside the court to show their support for Thaksin before his arrival. Former education minister Suchart Thada-damrongvech from the Yingluck Shinawatra government and Thaksin's brother-in-law and former prime minister, Somchai Wongsawat, were among the crowd. Mr Somchai told reporters that he came to show his support to Thaksin in his capacity as a long-time supporter. He was not a witness in the case, but expressed confidence in the legal team's preparations. 'Thaksin's legal team has prepared evidence to fight the case. It's up to the court's discretion,' said Mr Somchai. Police from the Phahon Yothin station and court police were on hand to maintain peace and order. Thaksin returned to Thailand in August 2023 after 15 years in self-imposed exile. He was immediately sentenced to eight years in prison on conflict of interest and abuse of power charges while in office from 2001-06 — later reduced to one year by a royal pardon. He was released on parole six months later, having spent the entire time in a VIP ward at Police General Hospital. That stay has become the subject of a separate court case prompted by complaints that his prison sentence was not properly carried out. The Thaksin case is the first in a series of challenges against him and his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, whose government hangs by a thread. Although Thaksin has no official role in government, he remains highly influential and is seen as the power behind the ruling Pheu Thai party, now besieged by a faltering economy, a border crisis and uncertainties arising from legal challenges. Prime Minister Paetongtarn was suspended from her duties in June over a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. The Constitutional Court is expected to decide within a few weeks whether she will be banned from office permanently. Her coalition maintains a razor-thin majority after the exit of its second-largest partner, Bhumjaithai, over the phone call issue, with protesters calling for her resignation.
The Advertiser
a day ago
- The Advertiser
'No excuse' after man exposes himself, hurls phone at Border Force
Drunk Aussies warned after boozy travellers wreak havoc at airport. Australian Border Force. By Sarah Falson Updated July 16 2025 - 12:56pm, first published 12:28pm So you've had a few drinks on the plane coming home from Bali, but that doesn't mean you should make a wally out of yourself and chuck a wobbly at customs. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue reading All articles from our website The digital version of Today's Paper All other in your area This is the (highly paraphrased) message from the Australian Border Force (ABF) after a string of "unacceptable incidents" at Perth International Airport recently. According to the force, in one incident, a passenger returned on a flight from Kuala Lumpur and appeared to be "heavily intoxicated". It is alleged the man became disruptive and "swore repeatedly" during a baggage search carried out by ABF officers. He then "exposed himself by pulling his pants down on numerous occasions before throwing his mobile phone which hit an officer". Australian Federal Police (AFP) reportedly removed the man from the airport and after an investigation charged the man with common assault, disorderly behaviour in public and two counts of indecent acts in public. The man pleaded guilty in the South Hedland Magistrates Court on May 13, 2025, to the four offences and was fined $1500 and ordered to pay court costs. "There is no excuse for abuse or violence towards Australian Border Force (ABF) officers," ABF has said. In another incident on April 15, 2025, a WA traveller returning from Thailand allegedly became aggressive after being selected for a routine baggage search. When ABF advised they would be seizing a carton of cigarettes the man failed to declare, he allegedly punched a wall, causing a hole. Australian Border Force smart gates. AFP was called and interviewed the man before escorting him from the terminal. He was summonsed to appear in Perth Magistrates Court in August to face a charge of criminal damage, contrary to section 444(1)(b) of the Criminal Code (WA). ABF Assistant Commissioner Chris Waters said this was the third reported incident in a few months, highlighting a disturbing and growing trend of abuse toward ABF officers. "Our officers are hardworking, dedicated men and women, and the ABF has zero tolerance towards members of the public who abuse or assault officers while they are carrying out their lawful duties," Assistant Commissioner Waters said. "Like any of us when we go to work, at the very minimum, our officers deserve to be treated with respect and common courtesy. "Verbal or physical abuse will not be tolerated. "There is no excuse. No matter how drunk or tired you are after your flight, we will act swiftly with our law enforcement partners if you behave this way." ABF confirmed the issue of unruly behaviour at customs is not exclusive to Perth airport but is Australia-wide, and they believe the issue is under-reported. The ABF processes around 750,000 passengers entering and leaving Australia's borders through airports every week. Provisional data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows 43.3 million people arrived and left through Australian Border Force (air and sea) during the 2024-25 financial year. Words by Sarah Falson Sarah is ACM's travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me. Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life. My top travel tip is … Don't plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what's within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.
Bangkok Post
a day ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Phumtham warns 'idle' officials
Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai yesterday warned idle ministry officials that they face the risk of being transferred, and that the reshuffle of positions within the ministry could be finalised this month. Mr Phumtham's warning came as speculation of a reshuffle arose ahead of the transfer season in late September, which is the end of the government fiscal budget year. "Nobody is going to wait until September," Mr Phumtham, who also serves as acting prime minister, told reporters in reference to the repositioning of high-ranking officials within the ministry to match its operational needs. "I have ordered all departments to start working because I want to see everything operational by Oct 1 because there are so many issues at hand," he said. Mr Phumtham said he expects all the changes to be completed by mid-August at the latest. When asked if the deputy permanent secretary for interior, who supervised the revocation of ownership of the Alpine Golf and Sports Club, would be transferred, Mr Phumtham said he would look into this and other cases, including the Khao Kradong land controversy. The Alpine Golf and Sports Club is linked to the Shinawatra family, while parts of the Khao Kradong land are linked to the Chidchob family, a main backer of the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT), which recently exited the government coalition. If there are grounds to claims of violations of Section 157 of the Criminal Code for malfeasance in office, or if any work duties have been neglected or laws breached, legal action may follow, Mr Phumtham said. Transfers of idle, under-performing or law-breaking staff can proceed immediately if there is sufficient evidence, he said.
Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Ottawa asked to bolster criminal code to protect emergency workers
A string of assaults against Winnipeg firefighters has ignited calls for all levels of government to beef up protections for emergency workers, who say they are confronted by increasing violence in Manitoba's capital. United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg president Nick Kasper is leading the charge after fire crews were forced to disarm and restrain a knife-wielding man on Sunday night. The incident was the latest in a spate of violence affecting first responders and health-care workers in Winnipeg. A firefighter was struck in the face with a pole on Friday; five nurses were sexually assaulted on the Health Sciences Centre campus this month. 'Violence has just become a daily occurrence,' Kasper said. 'Our concern is that, with so many of these near misses and close calls, we are rolling the dice to a potentially serious outcome.' MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS A firefighter was attacked at Logan Avenue and Princess Street on Friday. A firefighter was attacked at Logan Avenue and Princess Street on Friday. Also in the past two days, a firefighter was hit in the stomach by a patient and fire crews had to flee from a property when someone inside threatened them with a knife, he said. On Monday, the union wrote a letter to federal, provincial and municipal leaders, asking each level of government to bolster safety measures. Chief among the demands is a call to strengthen the Criminal Code of Canada by creating a distinct criminal charge for people who assault first responders and health-care workers. The union has proposed expanding section 270 of the code to include firefighters, paramedics and health-care providers. The section currently allows for specific charges against anybody who assaults a peace officer. 'I think it's pretty clearly understood across the country that if a police officer is struck, that is a distinct and serious charge. I don't think that we should be differentiating with other public safety providers,' Kasper said. 'When you have to be looking over your shoulder while you're extinguishing a fire, it adds to the psychological toll.' Parliamentarians were considering amending the Criminal Code to require courts to view assaults against health-care providers and first responders as aggravating factors during sentencing, but that process has stalled. A private member's bill outlining the proposed changes was tabled in March 2023 and later completed third reading in the House of Commons. Bill C-321 then went to the Senate, which reviewed it in December. It has not advanced to third reading in the Senate. A separate proposed law, tabled in June 2023, sought to make it an offence to assault first responders. Bill C-345 has not moved advanced through Parliament. The union has asked the province and city to pass formal resolutions urging the federal government to revive the bills. It would also like Manitoba to create a provincial offence for obstructing, harassing or threatening public safety personnel. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES 'We need stronger federal laws; we need consequences for those that are involved with this,' said Mayor Scott Gillingham. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES 'We need stronger federal laws; we need consequences for those that are involved with this,' said Mayor Scott Gillingham. Mayor Scott Gillingham said he was drafting a resolution to put before to council Thursday. If approved, it would take the union's calls to the federal government. He said the two federal bills essentially 'died on the floor' of Parliament during the recent election. 'We need stronger federal laws; we need consequences for those that are involved with this,' Gillingham said. 'I can't see any reason anyone would oppose these changes.' Justice Minister Matt Wiebe told reporters Tuesday he would call for changes at the federal level. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Justice minister Matt Wiebe speaks to the media about emergency workers protection in his office at the Manitoba Legislative Building on Tuesday. Justice minister Matt Wiebe speaks to the media about emergency workers protection in his office at the Manitoba Legislative Building on Tuesday. 'It was a real tough weekend for the people that are out there protecting us every single day and the message is that we've got their backs,' Wiebe said. The minister said his government would review the potential of strengthening the provincial offences act. Kasper urged the city to add alerts to the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service dispatch system, so first responders are notified if they are racing to an address or individual with a history of violence. He proposed reviewing information-sharing protocols between WFPS and the Winnipeg Police Service. 'We'll have our members… attending locations that the police wouldn't otherwise go without backup. That cannot continue. Imagine we have a serious incident and we find out afterwards that another agency at the city was aware of the risk,' Kasper said. Gillingham said he is open to exploring those ideas. Tuesdays A weekly look at politics close to home and around the world. In a statement, the Winnipeg Police Service said it meets regularly with the fire paramedic service and has procedures for information sharing when both agencies respond to a call. 'We have had discussions regarding improved information-sharing protocols to ensure the safety of our first responders partners,' the statement said. 'Work continues to finalize protocols that may assist fire or ambulance personnel when they respond to calls that don't require police.' Darlene Jackson, president of the Manitoba Nurses' Union, said she supports Kasper's calls for change. The Canadian Federation of Nurses, MNU's national counterpart, has made similar demands, she said. 'I believe that this needed to happen long ago,' Jackson said. 'Absolutely, we will be watching, and I'm thinking that we may need to follow up with a letter of support from our union.' Jackson referenced instances in which nurses have been assaulted at work, but felt discouraged from pressing charges because they believed there would be limited consequences. In relation to the attacks at the Health Sciences Centre on July 2, a 28-year-old man has been charged with five counts of sexual assault and remains in custody. Police have refused to reveal his identity, citing concerns about the ongoing investigation. The Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union, which represents city paramedics, also voiced support for reform. The union released a survey of Winnipeg paramedics in May, in which 93 per cent of respondents reported they had experienced violence on the job. President Kyle Ross said demands by the firefighters union are 'a good first step.' Tyler SearleReporter Tyler Searle is a multimedia producer who writes for the Free Press's city desk. A graduate of Red River College Polytechnic's creative communications program, he wrote for the Stonewall Teulon Tribune, Selkirk Record and Express Weekly News before joining the paper in 2022. Read more about Tyler. Every piece of reporting Tyler produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
