Quebec man facing terrorism charge

A Quebec man was charged Friday with attempting to leave Canada to participate in the activities of a terrorist group.

Ismael Habib appeared briefly in a Montreal courtroom, not long after the RCMP announced the serious charge against him.

Federal prosecutor Lyne Decarie said the charge is the result of an ongoing investigation that began when Habib was first detained on other charges in Gatineau, Que., near Ottawa.

“It’s a continuous exercise that has been taking place in recent days and over the last week,” she said.

The charge of leaving the country to participate in terrorist activity was introduced into the Criminal Code in 2013 and carries a maximum sentence of 10 years behind bars.

It’s the latest in a string of charges against Habib in recent days. On Thursday, Habib, 28, appeared in court on a charge of giving false information in order to obtain a passport. Following that hearing, Decarie said the Crown was also seeking a peace bond against Habib.

Prosecutors have sought the measure against several Canadians in the past year, one which restricts activities and keeps them under close watch from authorities.

Decarie said Friday she would maintain the bond request for Habib.

The Gatineau resident was first detained on charges of criminal harassment and possessing false documents.