A woman charged with first-degree murder for a stabbing a stranger in a Shoppers Drug Mart implored the justice of the peace to listen to a bizarre spiel involving “international security concerns†and “terrorism†in a Monday afternoon court appearance.
“I have been in jail since December 16 I’m told and I’m being damaged in here. I would like to be out because I am innocent and I would like to say what I need to say,†Rohinie Bisesar said in a firm, articulate voice over the warnings of her lawyer and the justice of the peace Mohammed Brihimi.
She was appearing via video link from the jail where she has remained since her arrest.
Bisesar is accused of attacking Rosemarie Junor, 28, in a Shoppers Drug Mart in the underground PATH with a knife on Dec. 11, 2015.
Despite Brihimi pleading with Bisesar to speak to her lawyers instead and stressing that her words were being recorded, Bisesar pressed on.
The justice of the peace, who she referred to as a judge, has a responsibility to listen to what she has to say and act on it, she said.
“The prime minister has an anti-terrorist plan, the people I have been around are very senior up to the point that they have contact with prime ministers current and former, and presidents of other countries and other international leaders,†she said becoming increasingly incoherent. “And I have something in me, that is exposed. And I’ve been exposed to a lot of senior people that is not, that allows whatever I’m exposed to is not confidential. And…. whoever it is, I don’t know who put it in me, I’m going to say it is the terrorists…I would like the prime minister’s office to be called and the anti-terrorist plan to be implemented. Whatever it might be.â€
When she paused, Brihimi thanked her and ordered her to appear again by video on Wednesday.
He abruptly ended the hearing before Bisesar could go on to read the two page document she had written. The microphone on the video-link was muted as she began to speak again about “security concerns.â€
During the same appearance, the Crown prosecutor Beverley Richards expressed concern with how slowly the case is progressing.
The defence has not requested a bail hearing or even a judicial pre-trial to get a date for a preliminary hearing set, she said.
“It would appear that (Bisesar) is also upset about this matter not moving forward,†she said. “Counsel comes here or sends an agent to simply ask for it to be remanded. This is not helpful and doesn’t serve any interest of justice that I am aware of.â€
Lawyer David Burke, appearing on behalf of Calvin Barry, told Bisesar Barry would be visiting her in jail on Tuesday.
Following the appearance he said that a psychiatric assessment is still under discussion.
Bisesar was first charged with attempted murder, then second-degree murder after Junor died from her injuries.
Two months later, the charge was upgraded to first-degree murder.
While the police now believe the stabbing had elements of planning and deliberation, there is "still an element of randomness,†Det. Shawn Mahoney said earlier this year.
