Town silent as men facing trafficking charges begin court process

Two men facing charges for human trafficking in Saskatchewan made their first court appearance Thursday morning, though they were not present for it.

Tisdale’s Mohommad Masum, 41, and 52-year-old Sohel Haider of Elrose were represented over the phone by defence lawyer Chris Gratton.

Less than a dozen people were present for the court proceedings.

Masum and Haider have been charged with human trafficking in relation to a situation where a woman was allegedly forced to work at three restaurants for 10- to 12-hour days and live in a dark, damp concrete basement, according to information from the RCMP.

The representative for the Crown present at Rosetown Elks Hall for the provincial circuit court told Judge Miguel Martinez the Crown — who will be represented by Leslie Dunning — would be proceeding by indictment for the charges facing both men.

A publication ban was also requested by the Crown, unopposed, on the name of the alleged victim and any information that could identify them.

The Crown’s representative mentioned significant disclosure documents are involved as a result of the case’s investigation.

The town of Elrose, just a half-hour from Rosetown, is the location of one of the restaurants at which the victim allegedly worked.

People in Elrose approached by 650 CKOM were not willing to speak about Haider’s dealings, the criminal proceedings or how the situation reflects on the town.

The men will return to court in Rosetown on Sept. 14.