Bail decision expected Friday in bomb threat case

A Quebec Court judge will rule on Friday whether the suspect in last week’s Concordia University bomb threats will be released on bail or not.

Hisham Saadi, 47, has been charged with inciting terrorism fears, transmitting death threats, and mischief for causing the university to close down for the better part of March 1.

After being postponed twice, Saadi’s bail hearing was held over the course of Wednesday and Thursday morning at the Montreal courthouse. The evidence presented throughout is covered by a publication ban requested by Saadi’s defence lawyer, Caroline Braun.

Quebec Court Judge Nathalie Fafard will deliver her decision on Friday.

“It’s been very difficult for my client,” Braun said outside the courtroom on Thursday. “He’s someone who has never been in jail before. He’s detained for 24 hours of the day, in a prison cell, without access to books, television, anything. It’s a horrible situation for him.”

Braun said Saadi has a strong support system in Montreal.

“He’s lucky to have individuals who care about him,” she said. “Given the situation, we think that Mr. Saadi should be released on bail.”

Prosecutor Lucie Martineau told reporters last week the Crown is objecting to Saadi’s release on the basis that he appears to pose a threat to public safety.

Concordia University was evacuated and closed for the day on March 1 after several media outlets received a letter threatening explosives would be detonated at two of the school’s downtown buildings. A police search of the buildings found no explosive devices. Saadi was arrested the next morning.