Via Rail terror plot accused unable to find lawyer

A Montreal man linked to an alleged plot to bomb a Via Rail train says he cannot find a lawyer willing to use the Qur'an as a basis for his defence.

Chiheb Esseghaier, 30, had beenexpected toprovide an update on his legal aid application when he made a video court appearance in Torontothis morning.

Esseghaier and 35-year-old Raed Jaser of Toronto are charged with conspiracy to murder for the benefit of a terrorist group, participating in a terrorist group and conspiring to interfere with transportation facilities for the benefit of a terrorist group.

Esseghaier faces an additional count of participating in a terrorist group.

• Via terror plot suspects deny allegations
• Accused Via terror plotter wants Qur'an cited in defence

The Crown told the court that a lawyer had met with Essenghaier in prison, but wouldn't agree to represent him based on terms he has repeatedly stated.

Esseghaier told the court during an earlier appearance following his arrest in late April that the Criminal Code should not apply to himbecause it's "not a holy book."Instead, he wants the Qur'an used as a "reference" in his case.

A representative of Legal Aid told the court on Monday that it is still working to find a solution.

Accused wants Qur'an used in case

A third man, Ahmed Abassi, also faces charges in the U.S. of fraudulently applying for a visa to stay inthat countryto "facilitate an act of international terrorism."

• U.S. terror suspect studied chemical engineering at Quebec university

The RCMP has called the case the first known alleged plot in Canada directed by al-Qaeda. Police have alleged the suspects were conspiring to derail a passenger train.

According to a Reuters report, U.S. law enforcement and national security sources said the alleged plot targeted a rail line between Toronto and New York City.

Via Rail and Amtrak jointly run routes between Canada and the U.S.