Anser Farooq is a Canadian defence attorney based in Mississauga, Ontario, who gained notability defending suspects during the 2006 Ontario terrorism plot.
Notable Clients edit
Farooq represented two members[1] of the 2006 Ontario terrorism plot: Ibrahim Aboud, and Qayyum Jamal. Aboud and Jamal had their charges stayed in April 2008.[2][3]
In 2007, he represented Ayad Mejid, a Muslim preacher who was suspected of using child pornography.[4] In 2010, charges were dismissed after a judge found that Mejid's rights were violated when he was forced to turn over his computer to investigators.[5] In April 2011, Majid filed a lawsuit for $10,000,000.00 against the government, where he was again represented by Farooq.[6]
Farooq was also counsel for Khurram Sher, who was alleged to have participated in an Ottawa terrorism plot.[1] Sher had auditioned for Canadian Idol.[7] On October 13, 2010, Sher was released on bail.[8][9] Sher was represented by Michael Edelson at trial, where he was acquitted.[10]
Farooq was counsel for Mohamed Hersi, who was arrested on March 31, 2011 at Toronto Pearson International Airport and was alleged to have attempted to join Al-Shabaab.[11] After a two-day hearing Hersi was released on bail April 29, 2011.[12][13][14][15] Hersi changed counsel and was represented by Paul Salansky at trial. He was convicted of the charges and sentenced to 10 years in prison.[16]
Farooq also sued the CBSA for defamation on behalf of his client, Mr. Noori, and demanded that the Canada-wide arrest warrant issued pursuant to the IRPA be rescinded. CBSA placed Mr. Noori on the wanted list for crimes against humanity and war crime - however, following the claim the CBSA removed Mr. Noori from their web site. [17]
Farooq also was counsel for Jahanzeb Malik, who Canada deported to Pakistan while accusing Malik of plotting mayhem in the heart of Toronto. Farooq called the plan to deport "absurd".[18]
Farooq also represented Mohammed El Shaer of Windsor who travelled to Middle East and was arrested on a terrorism peace bond. [19] He also represented Mr. Abdul, who entered into a peace bond following allegations of participation on terrorist group.[20]
References edit
- ^ a b Dubinksi, Kate. "Khurram Sher makes court appearance". The London Free Press. Canadian Press. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
- ^ Teotonio, Isabel (2008-04-15). "Charges have been stayed against four adults accused of belonging to a home-grown terror cell, three of whom were required to sign peace-bonds in a Brampton court this morning". The Toronto Star. ISSN 0319-0781. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
- ^ Teotonio, Isabel (16 April 2008). "So-called terror zealot vindicated". The Star. Toronto. Retrieved 8 January 2015.
- ^ Shephard, Michelle (31 March 2009). "Is Ayad Mejid a terrorist, a pedophile or a victim?". Toronto Star.
- ^ Colin Freeze (2012-08-23). "Judge spikes child-porn case against Muslim preacher targeted by CSIS". Toronto: The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2013-03-20.
- ^ "Brampton man sues government alleging CSIS harassed him | Toronto Star". Thestar.com. 2011-05-27. Retrieved 2013-03-20.
- ^ "Khurram Sher: A high-achieving, joking doctor". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
- ^ Canada (2010-10-14). "Terror suspect out on bail". Toronto: The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2013-03-20.
- ^ "Doctor arrested in terror plot gets bail under strict conditions | Toronto Star". Thestar.com. 2010-10-13. Retrieved 2013-03-20.
- ^ "Former London, Ont., pathologist found not guilty in terror trial". CBC News. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
- ^ "U of T graduate's arrest on terror charges alarms Toronto Somalis | Toronto Star". Thestar.com. 2011-03-31. Retrieved 2013-03-20.
- ^ "Terror suspect Mohamed Hersi released on bail | Posted Toronto | National Post". News.nationalpost.com. 2011-04-29. Retrieved 2013-03-20.
- ^ [1][dead link]
- ^ "Terror suspect granted bail in Brampton | CTV Toronto News". Toronto.ctv.ca. 2011-04-29. Retrieved 2013-03-20.
- ^ "Bail for Toronto man arrested on terrorism charges | Toronto Star". Thestar.com. 2011-04-29. Retrieved 2013-03-20.
- ^ "Mohamed Hersi sentenced to 10 years for attempting to join al-Shabab". CBC News. Retrieved 2016-03-27.
- ^ "YouTube". YouTube.
- ^ "Move to Deport Jahanzeb Malik is 'absurd', lawyer says". CBC News. The Canadian Press. March 12, 2015. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
- ^ Bell, Stewart (17 June 2016). "Windsor man who made repeated mysterious journeys to Middle East arrested on terrorism peace bond". National Post.
- ^ Bell, Stewart (July 15, 2016). "Toronto man arrested on suspicion he'd travel and engage in terrorism agrees to no contact with ISIL". National Post.