Sunday, December 14, 2025
ADVT 
National

Vancouver airport hijacking suspect Shaheer Cassim makes video court appearance

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 22 Jul, 2025 12:01 PM
  • Vancouver airport hijacking suspect Shaheer Cassim makes video court appearance

The man accused of hijacking a plane on Vancouver Island and flying it back and forth above Vancouver International Airport last week made a brief court appearance by video in Richmond, B.C.

Shaheer Cassim appeared on Tuesday via video link, dressed in an orange prison outfit and speaking only his name when asked by the judge. 

An agent for Cassim's defence lawyer Kevin Westell told the court that more time was needed and scheduled his next appearance for July 29. 

Cassim will remain in custody in the meantime at a pretrial centre in Surrey. 

He faces charges of hijacking and interference with the operation of an airport that could endanger the safety of an aircraft in flight. 

The 39-year-old former commercial pilot was arrested July 15 after allegedly taking a plane from the Victoria International Airport before flying it to Vancouver's airport where the aircraft was met by police upon landing. 

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

MORE National ARTICLES

Automakers 'cautiously optimistic' on EV mandate changes after meeting with PM

Automakers 'cautiously optimistic' on EV mandate changes after meeting with PM
Brian Kingston was among several auto industry executives who met with Prime Minister Mark Carney yesterday in Ottawa.

Automakers 'cautiously optimistic' on EV mandate changes after meeting with PM

Israel-Hamas conflict: Tension at Montreal college worse after Quebec's investigation

Israel-Hamas conflict: Tension at Montreal college worse after Quebec's investigation
Benoit Morin says the investigation exacerbated tensions at Vanier College, which has been under scrutiny since last fall due to complaints that the Israel-Hamas war had created an unsafe atmosphere on campus.

Israel-Hamas conflict: Tension at Montreal college worse after Quebec's investigation

Alberta reaches settlement with two coal companies suing over policy flip-flop

Alberta reaches settlement with two coal companies suing over policy flip-flop
Alberta lifted the coal policy again earlier this year in favour of a new rule system, but Evolve said at the time that it would have no effect on its lawsuit.

Alberta reaches settlement with two coal companies suing over policy flip-flop

Cooler conditions forecast for much of B.C., expected to aid in fire fight

Cooler conditions forecast for much of B.C., expected to aid in fire fight
Its latest situational report says thunderstorm activity is expected across the province, bringing a low to moderate chance of lightning provincewide.

Cooler conditions forecast for much of B.C., expected to aid in fire fight

Vancouver Island doctor Jonathan Kerr enters B.C. Greens leadership race

Vancouver Island doctor Jonathan Kerr enters B.C. Greens leadership race
Dr. Jonathan Kerr says he will officially launch his campaign on Saturday with an event in Courtenay.

Vancouver Island doctor Jonathan Kerr enters B.C. Greens leadership race

Surrey Canada Day draws over 75,000 to celebrate Canadian spirit

Surrey Canada Day draws over 75,000 to celebrate Canadian spirit
Attendees enjoyed live music and entertainment across four stages, an Indigenous Village and marketplace, over 30 food trucks, amusement rides, and a fireworks finale.

Surrey Canada Day draws over 75,000 to celebrate Canadian spirit