Montreal’s ex-mayor Applebaum allowed to leave country, despite 14 charges

MONTREAL – Former Montreal mayor Michael Applebaum has permission to go on holiday outside the country, despite facing a number of criminal charges.

A member of his legal team told journalists today that Applebaum got his passport back from authorities last week as he prepared for a 10-day trip, which was planned well before his arrest.

The prosecution and defence agree Applebaum does not represent a flight risk. They are confident he will return to face the charges against him.

Defence lawyer Conrad Lord says he doesn’t know where Applebaum is going next week, but that it’s not a business trip. The veteran lawyer says a report circulating today that Applebaum is “fleeing” to the Bahamas is false.

Applebaum faces 14 charges including fraud, conspiracy, breach of trust, and corruption in municipal affairs. He stepped down as interim mayor one day after his arrest by Quebec’s anti-corruption unit.

Applebaum is scheduled for an arraignment in October.

Meanwhile, lawyers are expected to argue a motion filed by the media to have search-warrant affidavits unsealed. They were having trouble finding a judge to hear the case today.