Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

'Canadian Idol' entrant faces terror charges

Rob Gillies,Ap
Saturday 28 August 2010 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A man who appeared on the television show Canadian Idol appeared in court yesterday on terrorism charges.

Dr Khurram Syed Sher, 28, is charged with conspiracy to facilitate terrorist activity. Police say they seized 50 circuit boards intended for use in remotely detonated bombs. Two other men arrested appeared in court on Thursday.

Dr Sher appeared on the singing competition reality show in 2008, singing a comical version of Avril Lavigne's "Complicated".

The bearded father of three, a pathologist in Ontario, appeared nervous during his court appearance in Ottawa, where he was ordered to return on 1 September via videolink.

Police said they moved in on the Canadian men to prevent them from sending money to terror groups in Afghanistan.

They allege the men had plans and schematics to make improvised explosive devices and that one of them was trained overseas to make explosive booby traps, but did not specify which one.

"The arrests have prevented the gathering of bombs and the execution of one or many terrorist attacks," RCMP Chief Supt Serge Therriault said.

Therriault said details on the targets would be released in court.

Dr Sher reportedly started a new job on 3 August at St Thomas Elgin General Hospital in Ontario.

He spent time in Pakistan in 2006 as part of a relief effort after an earthquake. In 2007, he wrote to the Canadian government protesting the treatment of three Muslims at Kingston prison.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in