Canada train plot suspects to fight charges

Two men accused of plotting to derail a train in Canada made their first appearances in court on Tuesday (April 23).

Chiheb Esseghaier of Montreal and Raed Jaser of Toronto face charges of planning an attack allegedly backed by al Qaeda.

Officials believe the plot involved a passenger train route between Toronto and New York.

As Jaser's family arrived at court, his lawyer said the charges are vigourously denied.

SOUNDBITE: (English) ATTORNEY FOR SUSPECT RAED JASAR, JOHN NORRIS, SAYING:

"He's in a state of shock and disbelief. He's anxious to see the evidence that the crown says that it has against him and we will move forward in that way."

Both suspects were arrested on Monday (April 22) in a joint investigation by Canada and the U.S..