[URBAN NOTE] "Man convicted in Via Rail terror plot may have schizophrenia"

[rfmcdonald]

Alyshah Hasham's Toronto Star report is actually not surprising. Hasn't there been some research suggesting that terrorists, particularly but not only ones who make use of suicide in their method, have serious psychological issues? Again going by press reports, much of Esseghaier's past behaviour has certainly seemed eccentric.

The man convicted by a jury of plotting to murder dozens of people and derail a Via Rail train may be schizophrenic and unfit to stand trial, according to an assessment conducted by a forensic psychiatrist ahead of a sentencing hearing scheduled to begin Monday.

The assessment of Chiheb Esseghaier was ordered in May at the request of a lawyer, or “amicus,” appointed to advise Esseghaier who has insisted on representing himself during the court process.

Esseghaier, 32, has repeatedly refused to participate in the proceedings, including his jury trial earlier this year, because he says he will only be judged by the laws of the Holy Quran, not the man-made Criminal Code.

Court heard Friday morning that the assessment by Dr. Lisa Ramshaw found Esseghaier suffers from grandiose delusions and paranoia, and that he may have schizophrenia. Ramshaw’s report also suggested that Esseghaier may not be fit to stand trial, prompting his amicus, Ingrid Grant, to ask the court to appoint a lawyer to act for Esseghaier.

This issue raises a number of complicated questions for the court to address, including whether a full hearing should be conducted to determine Esseghaier’s mental fitness and whether a lawyer should be ordered to represent him, said Superior Court Justice Michael Code.