Lawyers in human trafficking case request more review time

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on March 15, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

The lawyers for two brothers charged in relation to a human trafficking case in Lethbridge continue to adjourn their matters while they wade through reams of disclosure.
The lawyers were in Lethbridge provincial court Friday where they pointed out they need more time to review the disclosure, of which they are currently in possession, and request additional information they believe is still outstanding.
“We’ve both been unpacking what is very significant disclosure; approximately 30 judicial authorizations, and almost a hundred media files,” Calgary lawyer Kirsten Lancee said. “It’s a very, very extensive file in terms of disclosure.”
She noted disclosure related to statements, a forensic analysis and officers’ notes are still missing, and she will be making a request to the Crown’s office for that information.
Although Mahmoud Neirabani’s matters were adjourned to April 1, Lancee requested Mohammad Neirabani’s matters go to Monday when she would apply to have her client’s release conditions amended to reflect a new residential address.
The Neirabani brothers are two of 10 individuals, including two youth, who were charged last summer in relation to the sexual assaults of several girls.
Following the arrest of all 10 individuals in August, police reported that several men selected and groomed a 15-year-old girl and took her to specific locations where sex offences took place. The same individuals had also engaged in sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl, and three additional victims came forward later in connection with the investigation.
Also charged are Ziyaad Noor, Fadi Chtewi, Meriton Krasniqi, Abdullah Mohammad, Mohammad Zafari, Khalid Alsaid, and two youths who cannot be identified.
One of the youths pleaded guilty earlier this month to two counts of sexual assault against two girls, and was given a two-year deferred custody and supervision order. The order allows the offender to serve his sentence in the community, during which he is bound by several conditions.
The charges against the other accused, who were previously released on bail, include sexual interference, sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault. All of the accused except Alsaid also face charges of trafficking persons under the age of 18.

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