Final arguments on Monday in bail hearing for 3 Quebec extremist plot suspects

QUÉBEC — A Quebec court judge is expected to hear final arguments from the Crown and defence attorneys on Monday in a bail hearing for three men facing terrorism charges in the Quebec City region.

The men are accused of plotting 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, who face charges of facilitating a terrorist activity, and other charges related to the illegal storage of firearms, and possession of explosives and prohibited devices.

Judge René de la Sablonnière heard testimony from the three men as well as their relatives on Friday.

There is a publication ban on details of the testimony provided to the court, which began Thursday with an RCMP officer testifying for the prosecution.

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.

Forbes and Chabot were active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, but the military has said they have not been performing duties or having unescorted access to the base since their arrests.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 25, 2025.