Advertisement

Winnipeg ISIS supporter released on bail, again

Aaron Driver, 23, is taken into custody on Carlotta Crescent in Winnipeg on Friday, June 26, 2015. Christopher Stanton / Global News

WINNIPEG — Accused terror threat Aaron Driver was released on bail Tuesday.

He was being held at Headingley Correction Centre for four days and appeared by teleconference in a Winnipeg courtroom for his bail hearing.

Driver’s lawyer Len Tailleur and the federal prosecutor have agreed to his release by dropping some conditions, including his surety.

“Aaron Driver isn’t, shouldn’t be a concern to Winnipeggers,” said Tailleur, “what he says you may not like but that’s the extent of it.”

READ MORE: Winnipeg ISIS supporter remains in jail after court hearing delayed

Driver was initially arrested on June 4th, after coming to national attention for his comments supporting terror group ISIS on several social media platforms.

RCMP made an application to court for a peace bond, fearing Driver will become involved in terror activity.

Story continues below advertisement

After being released on bail with strict conditions Driver made comments to the media supporting the Parliament Hill terror attack last October.

On Friday, Driver was re-arrested after his surety, the woman from whom he rented a basement suite in Charleswood, withdrew her bail money, putting Driver back in jail.

Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.

Driver was placed under 25 strict bail conditions including not using a computer or social media, not to display or support any terror group including ISIS and Islam State, he can’t leave the province and has to wear a GPS monitoring device.

“We’re not contesting the peace bond itself but the enormous amount of conditions hoisted upon Mr. Driver,” said Tailleur.

WATCH: Police walk Aaron Driver to car after being re-arrested Friday afternoon

In court Tuesday, a judge agreed to grant Driver bail again, and dropped 6 conditions including no curfew, and no surety. He now has 19 conditions instead of 25.

Story continues below advertisement
Lorraine Nickel / Global News

Driver’s lawyer will fight some of his conditions, saying his Charter rights are being violated.

“He’s never done anything overt to anybody,” said Tailleur, “he was working quietly, employment, paying his taxes like any other Canadian was but he had views which people don’t like, a lot of people don’t like.”

Tailleur says he’ll fight for Driver to have the right to move out of the province, “he expressed interest in moving to Ontario possibly,” where he currently has family.

Until then Driver will be living on his own in Winnipeg, possibly a hotel his lawyer said.

Driver will appear back in court Tuesday, when his lawyer will file a motion contesting the terms of his peace bond.

 

Advertisement

Sponsored content

AdChoices