The husband of Nova Scotia Immigration Minister Lena Diab has been charged with assault and uttering threats against the cabinet minister in relation to a New Year's Eve incident at the couple's Halifax home.

Lena Diab and two others were identified in court documents as the alleged victims. Maroun Diab was arraigned Tuesday in Halifax provincial court and will remain in custody until a court appearance Thursday.

Maroun Diab, 58, is accused of attempting to choke Lena Diab by putting both hands around her neck, assaulting her and threatening to cause her bodily harm or death.

Lena Diab and the office of Premier Stephen McNeil refused to comment, saying the incident is a personal matter.

Police called just before New Year's

Halifax police said officers were called to the home at 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31 to an "assault not in progress."

"A 51-year-old woman said she was assaulted by a man known to her and that he had left the residence in a vehicle," said Const. Diane Penfound in a media release.

At 12:35 a.m., police arrested Maroun Diab on a traffic stop near Quinpool Road and Armview Avenue.

Penfound said Diab was jailed until taken to Halifax provincial court Tuesday to face five charges in total.

Lena Diab's May 2016 MLA disclosure statement lists Maroun Diab as her spouse. On Nov. 26, 2016, their joint ownership of 18 properties, valued at $4.3 million, was transferred from Lena and Maroun Diab to Lena Diab and Monica Diab under the Matrimonial Property Act.

The couple have operated a property rental business in Halifax. Her website says she has four children.