A Carleton student facing attempted murder charges in connection with an off-campus incident said he’s appealing his suspension from the university.
Ahmad Hamzeh, a third-year economics student, was charged with attempted murder, forcible confinement, break and enter and commit and mischief after a report of a male being stabbed multiple times Jan. 11 around Walkley and Conroy Roads, according to Ottawa police.
The victim, who was transported to hospital where he was treated for serious injuries, has since been released, Ottawa police staff Sgt. Mark Patterson said March 14.
Hamzeh and three others were charged after Ottawa’s guns and gangs unit conducted an investigation, according to the Jan. 13 police release.
Hamzeh, who said he intends to plead not guilty, was suspended from university premises in a formal letter from the university dated March 2.
The letter, which cites the Trespass to Property Act of Ontario, forbids him from entering the university for “any purpose whatsoever.”
Hamzeh was suspended through the Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy. This policy allows the university to suspend students if they present a threat to themselves or others, according to university secretary Johanne Bray.
“We take the steps that ensure the safety of everyone on campus,” Bray said. “That’s our priority.”
The suspension will remain in effect until Hamzeh is able to provide evidence to the university that he doesn’t pose a threat to the safety of others, according to the letter.
Hamzeh is appealing the suspension, which he said has been stressful for him.
“It limits me to do whatever I want to do,” he said. “These are supposed to be the best four years of your life, but once you get charged with these charges, it gets hard. It raises a serious cloud over your family too.”
He said he also doesn’t want to lose the credits he’s been working towards this semester.
“I don’t want to lose my hard work,” Hamzeh said. “I feel like they’re picking on me and they’re just singling me out for no apparent reason.”
Hamzeh said he read about a Carleton student facing murder charges who wasn’t suspended, but this information could not be verified.
The charges have yet to be proven in court. The trial is scheduled to begin in December.
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