Canada: Police Charge Quebec Man with Terrorism over Alleged Haiti Coup Plot

story
Image copyright: Associated Press [via Al Jazeera]

The Facts

  • The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced on Thursday that Gérald Nicolas, a 51-year-old resident of Lévis, Quebec, will face terrorism charges for allegedly planning "a terrorist act to overthrow Haiti's then-president Jovenel Moïse."

  • Canadian police have stated that the accused — who is charged with leaving Canada to facilitate terrorist activities, facilitating a terrorist activity, and providing property for terrorist purposes — sought to stage an armed revolution in Haiti and ultimately seize power.

Show more

The Spin

Narrative A

Nicolas fraternized with individuals engaged in taking part in a coup against the Haitian government, and actively planning an armed revolution with the ultimate aim of seizing power. While this is an atypical case, it shows that Canada is committed to holding its citizens accountable even if they break the law in foreign countries.

Global News

Narrative B

Nicolas maintains his innocence, and hasn't yet been found guilty of any of the allegations against him. He has asserted that the Lévis authorities are pursuing charges against him based on a story fabricated by his dejected ex-girlfriend. Nicolas has also vehemently claimed he was only a Canadian citizen sending humanitarian packages to Haitians in need, and has even accused the police of racial discrimination. He should be treated as innocent until proven otherwise.

Guardian

Metaculus Prediction