MONTREAL – Exactly one month ago, Nejib Belhaj-Chtioui was picked by the SQ Anti-Terrorism squad.
The 36-year-old was charged with making statements on a Facebook page that caused police to fear he might commit a terrorist act.
Police took the case very seriously.
On Dec. 8, he was arrested at Trudeau Airport upon his return from a trip to Tunisia.
READ MORE: Man arrested at Montreal airport on terrorism-related charges seeks bail
On Wednesday, Justice Patrick Healy denied bail to the suspected terrorist. In his decision, the judge determined Belhaj-Chtioui was a flight risk and a danger to society.
An excerpt from the decision reads: “There are important questions for the public’s safety and possibly implications for national security.”
Defence attorney Nicolas Welt says he is considering appealing the bail decision.
“There’s a difference between participating in a terrorist action and the allegations which are in this case,” Welt told Global News.
“It’s a hoax.”
Belhaj-Chtioui returns to court Jan. 28. If he’s found guilty, the suspect will likely face jail time. By law, he faces up to five years if convicted.
READ MORE: Man facing terrorism-related charges in Quebec has case put off
In February 2013, Denis-Marc Pelletier was convicted of the same counts and was sentenced to nine months behind bars.
Pelletier posted photos of explosives on his Facebook page and made references to notorious killers Kimveer Gill and Denis Lortie.
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