Canadian train-bombing plot suspect denies charges

TORONTO -- A man accused of plotting with al-Qaida members in Iran to derail a train in Canada denied the charges and said Tuesday that authorities were basing their conclusions on appearances. Law enforcement officials in the U.S. said the target was a train that runs between New York City and Canada.

Canadian investigators say Raed Jaser, 35, and his suspected accomplice Chiheb Esseghaier, 30, received guidance -- but no money -- from members of al-Qaida in Iran. Iran released a statement saying it had nothing to do with the plot, even though there were no claims in Canada that the attacks were sponsored directly by the Iranian government.

Charges against the two men in Canada include conspiring to carry out an attack and murder people in association with a terrorist group. Police -- tipped off by an imam worried by the behavior of one of the suspects -- said it was the first known attack planned by al-Qaida in Canada.

Law officials in New York with knowledge of the investigation told The Associated Press the attack was to take place on the Canadian side of the border.

Amtrak and Via Rail Canada jointly operate routes between the United States and Canada, including the Maple Leaf from New York City to Toronto.

In a brief court appearance in Montreal, a bearded Esseghaier declined to be represented by a court-appointed lawyer. He made a brief statement in French in which he called the allegations against him unfair.

"The conclusions were made based on facts and words which are only appearances," he said in a calm voice after asking permission to speak.

Jaser appeared in court earlier yesterday in Toronto and also did not enter a plea. He was given a new court date of May 23.

His lawyer, John Norris, said Jaser would "defend himself vigorously" against the accusations, and noted Jaser was a permanent resident of Canada who has lived there for 20 years.

-- AP