A Brossard resident was charged on Thursday with committing a terrorism hoax and misleading both Canadian and American authorities.
According to his charge sheet, it’s alleged that on Aug. 11, Hasnat Miftahul Syed caused New York State authorities to believe that a terrorist activity would occur, even though Syed knew that wasn’t the case.
Syed, 37, is also charged with misleading authorities — the New York State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers — into believing that a specific person should be suspected of planning a terrorist activity despite knowing it wasn’t true.
Syed had a confused and tired look on his face as he was arraigned at the Montreal courthouse on Thursday. He was released on conditions as he waits for his next court appearance. He is not to communicate with the victim or go near his workplace or residence, among other conditions.
Family members who were present for the hearing said they weren’t sure what had happened. Defence lawyer Nicolas Welt said his client was shocked by the charges, but satisfied with the conditions of his release.
“At first glance the charge is certainly concerning,” Welt said outside of the courtroom. “But the fact that he was granted his release shows that he doesn’t represent a risk.”
Syed is expected to be back in court in late October.
