N.S. brothers face new charge in cross-burning

Two Nova Scotia brothers accused in a cross-burning incident in Hants County are facing a new charge of criminal harassment.

Nathan Neil Rehberg, 20, and Justin Chad Rehberg, 19, wereback in Kentville provincial court Monday to continue a bail hearing that began last Friday on charges of public incitement of hatred, mischief and uttering threats.

The Crown attorney told the court that the new charge was laid becausemore information had come to light.

Assoon as they entered the courtroom,Nathan Rehberg began gesturing "I love you, I love you"repeatedly to a group of family and supporters. He appeared on the verge of tears, and was comforted by his younger brother.

After a short court appearance, the brothers were remanded into custody until Tuesday when they will return to court to continue their bail hearing.

The brothers are accused of erecting a two-metre-high cross with a hanging noose in front of the home of Michelle Lyon, their father's cousin, and Shayne Howe, her partner,and yelling racial slurs at the terrified couple and their children, who were inside at the time.

The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Feb. 21 in Poplar Grove, a small community northeast of Windsor.

Outside court Monday, Shayne Howe said he doesn't think the charges against the brothers capture the gravity of the crime.

"They're not looking at it the way I'm looking at it, and that's what's bothering me the most. There's nothing in the book for this," said Howe, who is the only black person in Poplar Grove.

"There's no justice for a cross being put on the front lawn."

On Saturday, more than 200 people took part in a march in Windsor against racism and in support of the family.

Shayne Howe and Michelle Lyon said they appreciate the support, but they're still not sure they can remain in their home.

"I think it would hurt a lot of people if we moved," Lyon said. "But, the flip side of the coin is, safety is first. We love our community, but I think safety has to come first because we do have children."

Organizers of the march want the family to stay in the house where they have lived for six years.

"No, I don't think they should move away," Tracy States Barker said. "One, our community is not like that. Two, they're just giving in, is how I feel."