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Public Safety Minister Vic Toews at a press conference in Ottawa on Monday, June 14.Blair Gable

A lawyer for one of the men accused of firebombing an Ottawa bank is taking the federal government to task for commenting on the charges.

Lawrence Greenspon said Monday it's not right for public figures to talk about a case before the courts, noting a presumption of innocence is "a fundamental pillar of our criminal justice system."

"And I think it's at the very least inappropriate to have public figures commenting on the nature of charges once those charges have been laid," said Mr. Greenspon, who represents 58-year-old Ottawa resident Roger Clement.

Public Safety Minister Vic Toews issued a statement applauding police shortly after they held a rare Saturday-morning news conference to announce charges against Mr. Clement and two other Ottawa men.

"I commend the outstanding co-operation between law enforcement agencies that led to these arrests," Mr. Toews said. "The dedication and tireless work of police has once again succeeded in making our communities safer."

Mr. Clement, a retired public servant, and Matthew Morgan-Brown, 32, a longtime political protester, are charged with arson causing damage, possession of incendiary material, use of explosives with intent to cause property damage and mischief.

An anti-establishment group calling itself FFFC-Ottawa claimed responsibility for the May 18 attack on the Royal Bank branch and promised further action during the G8 and G20 summit meetings this week.

Engineer Claude Haridge, 50, was charged with careless storage and handling of ammunition after police seized hundreds of rounds during a raid.

Police said Mr. Clement and Mr. Haridge were also charged with mischief in a Feb. 1 attack on another Royal Bank branch in Ottawa, where two people were seen damaging windows and automated tellers with rocks and a hammer.

The three accused, clad in orange jumpsuits, made brief court appearances by video link Monday. Bail hearings for all are still pending.

Police deny the arrests were timed to send a warning to other protesters who might cause trouble at the international meetings in Huntsville, Ont., and Toronto. Still, a Toronto policeman and a senior Mountie involved in summit security were at the Saturday news conference to talk about preparations.

The RCMP says it's still investigating the firebombing, and suggests there could be additional charges under Canada's Anti-Terrorism Act.

Ottawa police Chief Vern White has characterized the May attack as "domestic terrorism."

Mr. Greenspon bristled at that notion Monday.

"I haven't heard anything about terrorism charges from anybody except the chief of police," he said after the court hearing. "I don't know when it became the chief of police's job to advocate for charges."

In the May incident, a firebomb was tossed into the bank in the upscale Glebe neighbourhood, burning out the lobby area - an act recorded on video and posted online.

An FFFC-Ottawa statement said the Royal Bank was targeted because it sponsored the Vancouver Olympics, which were "held on stolen indigenous land."

The online video, as well as security-camera footage turned over by the bank, apparently helped police.

Mr. Greenspon said he wants a bail hearing for Mr. Clement as soon as possible.

"He's never been in custody before. So for him this is a new and scary experience. He's trying to cope."

Trevor Brown, a lawyer for Mr. Haridge, said he'd speak to his client Tuesday.

"I know through family that he's grateful to have such a showing of support from his friends and family," Mr. Brown said Monday. "He's a lifelong resident of this city, and he has a great deal of support in the community."

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