A 38-year-old man from Ontario, who was charged under Canada’s state secrets law for disclosing sensitive information about nuclear power plant vulnerabilities in a YouTube video, has been deemed not criminally responsible due to mental health issues. The individual, James Alexander Mousaly, an employee of Ontario Power Generation, livestreamed the information while experiencing bipolar disorder and psychosis on January 30, 2024.
The video, which lasted 22 minutes, was taken down by family members within a day, with minimal viewership. Court records reveal excerpts from the video where Mousaly expressed anti-nuclear sentiments and offered assistance to potential attackers.
Experts confirmed that the video contained classified information regarding vulnerabilities in a Canadian nuclear power plant. Ontario Power Generation stated that the disclosed information could potentially aid adversaries in targeting nuclear facilities.
Mousaly, who had been working at a nuclear facility, had his access revoked prior to the incident. His lawyer emphasized that Mousaly’s intentions were not to cause harm but to raise safety concerns. Despite earning $127,600 in 2023, Mousaly is now under custody awaiting transfer to a mental health facility for assessment and potential treatment.
The charge against Mousaly falls under the Security of Information Act, now known as the Foreign Interference and Security of Information Act, making it a criminal offense to share information with foreign entities or terrorist groups that could jeopardize Canadian interests. This marks the third instance of charges under this act being concluded in court, following convictions of other individuals for similar offenses.
