The man accused of threatening a flight instructor before hijacking an aircraft in Victoria, British Columbia, on July 15 appeared in Richmond Provincial Court this morning.

Shaheer Cassim, a 39-year-old Islamic climate activist and former commercial pilot, made a brief virtual appearance from custody, wearing a red jumpsuit.

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Through the request of an articling student appearing on behalf of his counsel, the matter was adjourned to allow more time to develop a bail plan. Cassim agreed to remain in custody for now.

The judge presiding over the hearing noted he had reviewed a forensic fitness report on Cassim but did not elaborate on whether Cassim is mentally fit to stand trial.

A publication ban under section 517 of the Criminal Code remains in effect. The ban prevents media from reporting on evidence or arguments presented at the bail hearing in order to preserve the accused’s right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence.

NEW CHARGE: Shaheer Cassim, the Islamic climate activist arrested for hijacking a Victoria plane, now faces an additional charge of damaging or interfering with a navigation facility, on top of the hijacking charge.https://t.co/Gi9Wj4L06E pic.twitter.com/Hb2siDmPlt

— Drea Humphrey (@DreaHumphrey) July 22, 2025

Cassim declared himself a “Messenger of Allah sent to save the world from climate change” on Facebook a day before the hijacking, which disrupted operations at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), forced the diversion of nine commercial flights, and triggered a response from U.S. fighter jets before Canada’s CF-18s could even take off.

RCMP previously confirmed that Cassim was “ideologically motivated in disrupting the airspace” for which he was initially charged with hijacking with intent to alter a flight plan. The courts have since confirmed a second charge of damaging or interfering with a navigation facility. If found guilty, he could face life in prison for each charge.