A Dorval mother appeared in court Monday to face allegations she stabbed her teenaged daughter after she stayed out late, said defence lawyers.
The 19-year-old victim survived serious stab wounds to the head, shoulder and arm, and is now in stable condition in hospital.
Johra Kaleki, her 38-year-old mother, faces charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault and possession of a weapon, but has not yet entered a plea. She is to undergo a psychiatric evaluation and has been detained at Pinel Institution for 30 days.
The incident occurred at a semi-detached home on Louise-Lamy St. near Carson Ave. around 8:15 a.m. on Sunday morning, said Montreal police Const. Olivier Lapointe.
The alleged attack occurred while the Kaleki's three other daughters -- aged 16, 14, and 10 -- were inside the home, along with her husband, said police.
Lawyer calls attack a temporary lapse in judgment
"Please sir, my wife is innocent!" Kaleki's distraught husband called out in the courtroom Monday, while the mention of her children led the suspect to tears.
Kaleki's defence lawyer called the attack a temporary lapse in her mental capacity and referred to her as a normally well-balanced individual.
Appearing in court with a bandage on her arm, Kaleki will be assessed to determine whether she is fit to stand trial.
The judge stipulated that the suspect was not to have any contact with her children, but rejected the Crown's attempt to bar her from contacting her husband.
Police suspect an "honour crime"
After interrogating the suspect, police are investigating the possibility that the stabbing was a so-called "honour crime," said Lapointe, referring to a crime committed after a person supposedly brings shame upon a family.
The family is originally from Afghanistan and is relatively new to Canada.
Neighbours said they have seen the young woman wear a hijab when leaving the house, but noted that she didn't wear it all the time.
Kaleki is due to appear back in court July 12.
