Bail hearing underway for 3 men accused of terrorism in alleged Quebec extremist plot

QUÉBEC — A bail hearing will continue for a second day on Friday for three men facing terrorism charges in an alleged anti-government plot to forcibly take over land in the Quebec City region.

The Crown is opposing bail for Simon Angers-Audet, 24, Raphaël Lagacé, 25, and Marc-Aurèle Chabot, 24.

On Thursday, the three men sat shoulder-to-shoulder in the prisoner’s box. Their lawyers requested a publication ban on details of the testimony provided to the court; a ban is automatic when requested by the defence.

An RCMP investigator — the main federal Crown witness — spent most of Thursday testifying and will return to the stand on Friday.

The three accused are among four people arrested in July for allegedly trying to start an anti-government community north of Quebec City, and using a private Instagram account to recruit members.

A fourth accused — Matthew Forbes, 33 — is facing weapons charges and was granted bail last week under a lengthy list of conditions that include wearing a GPS tracking bracelet.

Angers-Audet, Lagacé and Chabot face charges of facilitating a terrorist activity, and other charges related to the illegal storage of firearms, and possession of explosives and prohibited devices.

Forbes, who is not charged with terrorism, and Chabot are active members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 24, 2025.