The man accused in the kidnapping of Canadian journalist Amanda Lindhout made his second appearance in court Friday.
Ali Omar Ader, 37, appeared by video remand at the Elgin Street courthouse — only briefly — to set up his next court appearance while accompanied by his legal counsel.
Samir Adam, Ader’s lawyer, didn’t have much to say in regards to his client — only that the proceedings were still in the early stages.
When asked about the amount of legal documents he would have to comb through in relation to his client, Adam said that the amount is “what would be expected at this point.”
Little was also said by Ursula Hendel, the federal Crown in Ader’s case.
“There’s nothing to say right now,” said Hendel. “It’s still too early.”
Standing in an orange jumpsuit with his hands shackled, Ader also kept fairly quiet as his lawyer and the judge scheduled his next court appearance.
Ader’s lawyer requested another week so that he and his client can receive disclosure of the evidence police have.
And although Ader’s proceedings will be in English for the time being, Adam said that a translator will be needed in the future.
Ader is expected back in court June 26.
Until then, Ader will remain in police custody at the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre.
Ader was arrested at the Ottawa airport on June 11 by RCMP in connection to Lindhout’s kidnapping in Mogadishu, Somalia that happened back in August 2008.
The Alberta freelance journalist and a fellow Australian journalist were kept in captivity for 15 months, and say they were tortured and held for ransom.
RCMP documents report that officers used undercover investigation, surveillance and wiretaps to monitor Ader over the years.
If found guilty, Ader could face life in prison.
