Case of B.C. man accused of posting terrorist propaganda online going to trial

VANCOUVER – The Public Prosecution Service of Canada says the case against a British Columbia man charged with four terrorism-related offences will go directly to trial.

Spokeswoman Elizabeth Armitage says the case of Othman Ayed Hamdan will proceed by direct indictment, meaning there will not be a preliminary inquiry.

Hamdan was arrested in Fort St. John in July 2015 and accused of posting Islamic State propaganda online.

An RCMP statement released at the time alleged the propaganda included inducement and instructions to commit murder in the name of jihad.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.

Hamdan was originally charged with three terrorism-related charges in provincial court, but Armitage says those charges have been stayed.

B.C. Supreme Court documents show he is now charged with counselling to commit murder for a terrorist group, counselling to commit assault causing bodily harm for a terrorist group, counselling to commit mischief for a terrorist group and instructing a person to carry out a terrorist activity.

Hamdan is scheduled to appear in court in Vancouver on Aug. 26.