Latest news with #HusamTahaAliAl-Sewaiee
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
WARMINGTON: Man on bail at Toronto mosque faces accusation of fear of terrorism
Days before the RCMP picked up a Kitchener man believed to be planning to travel abroad to join an international terror organization, he was arrested at Pearson International Airport for allegedly making death threats to police officers, the Toronto Sun has learned. Husam Taha Ali Al-Sewaiee, who has lived in Canada for a number of years but is originally from Yemen, was charged on April 15 after allegedly uttering threats toward officers and released on an undertaking to appear at a later date in court for that allegation. A Peel Regional Police spokesperson confirmed 'the information we have is the individual was arrested by PRP on April 15th for uttering threats' and was charged. These charges have yet to be tested in court. A court date on the uttering threats charge has not yet been set. No weapons were seized and no one was hurt in the incident at the airport. It's unclear if Taha Ali Al-Sewaiee was at Pearson as part of his alleged plan to leave Canada. But what is clear is 'red flags went off' when he was detained there after a confrontation where 'utterances' were allegedly made and that information was shared with federal authorities. WARMINGTON: While it was not a terror attack at a Toronto university, students say they felt terrorized WARMINGTON: Like the Middle East, Toronto's 'Little Gaza' is separated by fence This incident occurred nine days before the deadly police shooting of a man at Pearson – something now being probed by the province's Special Investigations Unit. Needless to say, it has been a difficult year at the airport for police. 'Our officers were not physically harmed, acted very professionally and arranged for the man to be taken to hospital for a mental health assessment,' Peel Regional Police Association President Adrian Woolley said. 'At this point, this is a matter in the hands of investigators.' Four days after Taha Ali Al-Sewaiee was arrested at Pearson, on April 19, he was before a Brampton court facing what court documents say is an application for a peace bond under Section Number 810.01ccc, of the Criminal Code of Canada which is granted for a 'fear of terrorism offence' where 'a person who fears on reasonable grounds that another person may commit a terrorism offence may, with the Attorney General's consent, lay an information before a provincial court judge.' Al-Sewaiee is not facing any terrorism charges. His case has also not been tested in court and police say this is an open file that remains under investigation. But court documents show the 32-year-old, who has told people he was soon to become a Canadian citizen and who has been seen at pro-Gaza protests in Toronto since the Oct. 7th slaughter in Israel, has been held over in a special arrangement approved by the court to reside under bail conditions at a North Toronto mosque after an approved surety posted a $1,000 bond. The conditions state he can only leave the mosque 'when you are in the company of your surety' or with 'written permission' for specific purposes including going to court or for medical reasons. He also can't be 'within 300 metres of any airport or Candian border' and he had to 'surrender' his 'passport or travel documents.' B'nai Brith Canada declined to comment on the court proceedings in this matter. But on the overall concern of potential danger to Canadians, they have expressed deep concern. 'Our federal government must address the dangerous weaknesses plaguing Canada's immigration and national security systems,' B'nai Brith Director of Research and Advocacy Richard Robertson said. 'Those who demonstrate signs of, or appear to have a predisposition towards, radicalization should never be permitted to enter our country let alone to obtain citizenship. Urgent action is needed to stop the spread of radicalization.' Meir Weinstein, of Israel Now, also declined comment on the bail arrangement but did say, 'I recognize him from pro-Palestine protests' but 'have no recollection of having any issues or problems with him.' 'We are reviewing our photographs and videos and will work with law enforcement if they need any help,' he added. Ontario's office of the Attorney General has not so far commented on this move by the court. But in light of alleged threats against police, as well as fear of terrorism, it would be good to know from Attorney General Doug Downey if the accused man's bail conditions can be reviewed in the interest of ensuring public safety. This seems like uncharted legal and justice waters. It's unknown if a person before the courts on the fear or terrorism, or any serious criminal allegation, has ever been released on bail to a place of worship before. Is this the appropriate place to house somebody before the courts on such serious matters? Sources say it was felt this was the best option available for the court since it did not want to have him under house arrest at a previous Kitchener address. Several police officers told the Sun there is curiosity if this move to send a person before the courts to reside at a mosque sets a precedent that could see this being requested in future cases. This mosque is not a stand-alone structure but in a complex with other businesses and appears to have both a prayer hall and an apartment as part of it. Calls to the mosque for comment were unsuccessful. But, sources say, police bail compliance professionals will do compliance reviews like they do with anybody released on bail conditions. For now, this is where this man accused of fear of terrorism and uttering threats to police calls home. jwarmington@
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Yemeni man accused of terror ties placed under house arrest at Toronto mosque
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Husam Taha Ali Al-Sewaiee, 32, a Yemeni national, has been released on bail under stringent conditions after being arrested for allegedly attempting to leave Canada to join a Middle Eastern terrorist has not been charged with terrorism and is confined to house arrest at a mosque in Toronto 's North York must reside at the mosque and is prohibited from leaving unless accompanied. He is required to wear an ankle monitor, surrender all travel documents, and maintain a distance of at least 300 meters from airports and border is also barred from possessing weapons and using any devices capable of accessing the internet, as part of his bail conditions. Violation of these conditions would result in immediate arrest. The individual who posted the $1,000 bond for his release provided a phone number associated with the same mosque, though their relationship remains was initially arrested on April 15 in Mississauga, Ontario, by Peel Regional Police for uttering threats. Four days later, the RCMP's Integrated National Security Enforcement Team apprehended him, alleging he attempted to leave Canada to join a terrorist the RCMP has not disclosed the specific group, sources indicate it is an Iranian-backed faction, possibly 'Yemen's Houthi movement', which has been involved in the Israel-Hamas war, disrupting international shipping, and is sponsored by have sought a terrorism peace bond from the Ontario court, which aims to impose restrictions on his movements to ensure public safety. Such peace bonds are preventive measures that can limit an individual's activities without resulting in a criminal accused has asked for an Arabic interpreter in court proceedings. His social media activity includes participation in Gaza protests in Toronto. Although his listed address is a residence in Kitchener, Ontario, the homeowner has described him as having "mental issues."With the country set to host the G7 summit in Alberta later this year, all eyes are on how it balances civil liberties with the need to prevent radicalization and protect public safety.
Global News
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Yemeni terror suspect placed under house arrest at Toronto mosque
A Yemeni arrested as he was allegedly trying to leave Canada to join a Middle East terrorist group has been released on bail to live under house arrest at a Toronto mosque. A copy of an Ontario judge's release order obtained by Global News shows Husam Taha Ali Al-Sewaiee was ordered to 'reside at the mosque' in Toronto's North York district. He is not allowed to leave the mosque except when accompanied, must also wear an ankle monitor, surrender his travel documents and stay 300 metres away from airports and border crossings. The person who posted the $1,000 bond for Al-Sewaiee's release gave a phone number that matches that of the same mosque. Their relationship, if any, was not explained. View image in full screen Profile photo from Facebook page of Husam Taha Ali Al-Sewaiee. Facebook A citizen of Yemen who has appeared at Gaza protests in Toronto, Al-Sewaiee was initially arrested in Mississauga, Ont., by Peel Regional Police on April 15 for uttering threats. Story continues below advertisement Four days later, the RCMP's Integrated National Security Enforcement Team arrested the 32-year-old, alleging he had attempted to leave Canada to join a terrorist organization. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The RCMP did not say which one but sources told Global News it was an Iranian-backed faction. Yemen's Houthis, who have disrupted international shipping, are sponsored by Iran. Al-Sewaiee has not been charged with terrorism. Instead, prosecutors have asked the Ontario court for a terrorism peace bond that would restrict his movements in the name of public safety. He has used an Arabic interpreter in court. His social media accounts show him attending Gaza protests. The charges list his address as a house in Kitchener, Ont., but the homeowner said he had 'mental issues.' As part of his bail conditions, Al-Sewaiee is not allowed to possess weapons and is not allowed to use any devices capable of accessing the internet. He will be arrested if he violates any of the conditions, the order says.
Global News
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Yemeni terror suspect arrested in Toronto accused of making threats
A Yemeni citizen arrested in the Toronto area on terrorism allegations has been charged with uttering threats, Global News has learned. Husam Taha Ali Al-Sewaiee was taken into custody on April 19 as he was allegedly preparing to leave Canada to join a terrorist group. But his court file shows that four days before that, he was arrested in Peel Region for uttering threats. Peel Police also confirmed the arrest. The 32-year-old appeared in court for a bail hearing last Thursday. A publication ban prevents news organizations from reporting on the allegations disclosed in court. Sources have told Global News that Al-Sewaiee was trying to join an Iranian-backed terrorist faction. Yemen is the home of the Houthi rebel group Ansarallah. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The Houthis are aligned with the Iranian-led 'axis of resistance,' which includes Hamas and Hezbollah, according to the Public Safety Canada website. Story continues below advertisement 'In the context of the Israel-Hamas war, Ansarallah began disruptive strikes on commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea and other waterways, as well as strikes against Israel,' it said. A missile fired by the Houthis struck near Israel's main airport on Sunday. Israeli forces responded on Monday with air strikes on dozens of Houthi targets. Al-Sewaiee remains in custody. His bail hearing was scheduled to resume on Thursday at the Brampton, Ont., courthouse. The RCMP national security team has asked the court to place Al-Sewaiee under a terrorism peace bond that would protect the public. Terrorism peace bonds impose conditions on suspects such as driving and travel bans, but they do not amount to a criminal charge. Al-Sewaiee has used an Arabic interpreter during his court appearances. His social media accounts show him attending Gaza protests in Canada. The charges list his address as a house in Kitchener, Ont., but the homeowner said he did not live there and had 'mental issues.' Prior to his arrival in Ontario, he appears to have lived in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, where court records show he was cited for a traffic violation in North Vancouver in 2021.
Global News
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Yemeni allegedly caught leaving Ontario to join terror group remains in custody
A Yemeni accused of trying to leave Canada to join a terrorist group appeared in court north of Toronto on Thursday for a bail hearing. Husam Taha Ali Al-Sewaiee, 32, was arrested by RCMP national security officers on April 19 and remains in custody. He has not been charged with any crimes. Instead, Crown prosecutors have asked the court for a terrorism peace bond that would restrict his movements in the name of public safety. The RCMP announced the arrest on Friday in a news release that did not name Al-Sewaiee or the terrorist group he is accused of attempting to join. But at a court appearance in Brampton, Ont., a judge ruled he could be publicly identified. Al-Sewaiee required an Arabic interpreter during the proceedings. Story continues below advertisement A publication ban prevents news organizations from reporting on the allegations leveled against Al-Sewaiee at his bail hearing, which continues on May 8. His lawyer Samara Sector declined to comment. On social media accounts, a man with the same name described himself as a self-employed Vancouver-area resident. Recent posts showed him at Toronto's Pearson airport. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy He wrote on Facebook that he was from Yemen, where the U.S. military has been conducting air strikes against Houthis that have attacked Israel and commercial ships. Several of his online posts concerned Gaza, and a video appeared to show him at a large demonstration wearing the Yemeni flag like a cape while waving a Palestinian flag. 1:01 Trump orders airstrike on Yemen's Houthi rebels, at least 19 dead According to his court file, obtained by Global News, police have alleged they have reasonable grounds to fear Al-Sewaiee 'may commit a terrorism offense.' Story continues below advertisement No other details were provided but two sources familiar with the case said he is accused of attempting to join an Iranian-backed terrorist faction in the Middle East. The charges list his address as a home in Kitchener, Ont. The owner of the residence said that while Al-Sewaiee was a family friend, he did not live there. 'He's like homeless,' she said. 'I don't know anything about him, I just hear from my husband he seriously has mental issues.' 1:53 Over 60 dead after US strike on migrant detention center in Yemen, local officials say Peace bonds have become a key national security tool for dealing with those who have left, or tried to leave, Canada to join terrorist groups. If upheld by the courts, they impose temporary restrictions on suspects such as ankle monitors and driving bans intended to limit the risks of an attack. Story continues below advertisement But they have not always worked. Winnipeg resident Aaron Driver was placed on a terrorism peace bond to stop him from leaving Canada to join ISIS. He nonetheless built a suicide bomb, which he detonated in 2016 when police surrounded him as he was leaving his Ontario home to conduct an attack. More recently, most of the Canadian ISIS women who have returned from Syria have been placed on terrorism peace bonds but not charged.
