TORONTO -- A man charged in an alleged plot to bomb a Via Rail passenger train says he wants to be represented by a lawyer who agrees the Qu'ran should be used as a "reference" in his case.
Chiheb Esseghaier appeared in a Toronto court by video link this morning.
He said he is seeking a legal aid lawyer to defend him against several terrorism-related charges in what the RCMP has called the first known alleged plot in Canada directed by al-Qaida.
The 30-year-old Montreal man said he wants a lawyer who can co-operate with his need to use the Muslim "holy book as a reference for my judgment."
Esseghaier has said he does not recognize the authority of the secular Criminal Code, telling court today, "I don't want a book written by humans."
Co-accused Raed Jaser of Toronto also appeared by video link from an undisclosed jail and was scheduled for another court appearance on June 25 as his case goes through the disclosure process.
Esseghaier was scheduled to be back in court June 3 to provide an update on his legal aid request.
The justice of the peace told Esseghaier he would have to discuss his need to use the Qu'ran with his lawyer once one has been assigned.
