TORONTO — The bail decision in the case of a Lebanese-Canadian man alleged to have bombed a Paris synagogue in 1980 is on hold.
The judge in the bail hearing of Hassan Diab, 55, a part-time sociology instructor at the University of Ottawa, postponed his decision until next week, according to Benjamin Shinewald, Canadian Jewish Congress’ national executive director and general counsel.
Shinewald, who is observing the trial, told The CJN late last week that the judge expected to “be away” this week and told Diab’s guarantors that he won’t rule on bail until after this weekend.
French authorities are seeking Diab’s extradition, saying they have proof of his involvement in the bombing that killed three French citizens and one Israeli, and wounded 20 others.
Earlier this month, two French judges issued an international arrest warrant for Diab, who holds dual Lebanese and Canadian citizenship. Under Canadian law, the French have 45 days to add more evidence to support an extradition request.
The bomb, hidden in the saddlebag of a motorbike, exploded just minutes before a crowd of people were due to emerge on Erev Shabbat from the synagogue on Rue Copernic in central Paris.
The case has remained open ever since. French investigators suspect the attack was organized by a small Palestinian group that was at odds with Yasser Arafat’s Palestine Liberation Organization.
Shinewald said Congress is “very pleased” that both Canada and France are pursuing the case.
“Because it sends a clear message that law enforcement authorities will never give up in the fight against terrorism and… it brings comfort to the victims of terrorism as well.”
With files from Ha’aretz
