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Defence’s closing submissions continue at Via Rail terror trial

Raed Jaser (R) and Chiheb Esseghaier (L) both face multiple charges in the alleged Via Rail plot. Not-guilty pleas have been entered for both of them. Pam Davies

TORONTO – The lawyer for the second of two men facing terrorism charges in an alleged plot to derail a passenger train is to make closing submissions today in a Toronto court.

Chiheb Esseghaier and Raed Jaser face several terror-related charges in the alleged plot to derail a Via Rail train travelling from New York to Toronto.

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READ MORE: Via Rail terror suspect asks jury to use Qur’an to judge him

Esseghaier refused to participate in his trial, did not call any evidence or witnesses in his defence and even had to have a not-guilty plea entered for him by the judge.

He explained his reasons Wednesday in a written address to the jury, saying the Criminal Code is a “book written by humans” and “humans are not perfect.”

In the submission – the first time the jury heard directly from him – he said he required the Holy Qur’an as the reference for his trial.

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Esseghaier’s submission was read to jurors at the end of a day during which a Crown prosecutor repeatedly said there was “overwhelming” evidence that the two accused were guilty.

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