Quebecer accused of terrorism in Haiti coup plot to contest charges: lawyer

The lawyer for a Quebecer accused of planning a terrorist act to overthrow the Haitian government of Jovenel Moïse says his client will fight the charges.

On Thursday, the RCMP announced that Gérald Nicolas, 51, will appear at the Quebec City courthouse on December 1 to face three terrorism-related charges.

Nicolas is charged with leaving Canada to facilitate terrorist activity, facilitating terrorist activity and providing property for terrorist purposes.

Police say their investigation into Nicolas is unrelated to the murder of Moïse in July 2021.

An affidavit filed by the RCMP to obtain a search warrant describes several aspects of the alleged conspiracy contained in the message exchanges, including securing land on the Dominican-Haitian border, acquiring supplies to set up a camp that could accommodate up to 50 people and travel to Cuba, Colombia, Panama and the Dominican Republic to secure manpower and weapons.

Defense attorney Tiago Murias said he is waiting for the Crown to release evidence, but Nicolas intends to contest the charges and will plead not guilty.

2:33
Thousands of people demonstrate in Haiti against the sending by Canada and the United States of military and police equipment