Freedom Convoy Leaders Confront Severe Legal Charges and Long Sentences

The Freedom Convoy trial resumes in Ottawa, with leaders facing potential 10-year sentences for their roles in the widespread protests against COVID-19 mandates.

At a Glance

Chris Barber and Tamara Lich face charges including mischief, intimidation, and obstruction related to the February 2022 protests.
The trial, which began in September, has faced multiple delays and is now in the closing argument phase.
Prosecutors aim to link Lich and Barber as co-conspirators who organized the Freedom Convoy.
The defence argues the protest was not a single, orchestrated event but involved many independent players.
The trial could have broader implications for Canadian institutions and public trust in the justice system.

Freedom Convoy Leaders on Trial

The criminal trial against Chris Barber and Tamara Lich, key figures in the Freedom Convoy protests, continues in Ottawa. Both have pleaded not guilty to charges including mischief, intimidation, and obstruction related to the February 2022 demonstrations against COVID-19 mandates. The trial, which began in September, has faced multiple delays and is now reaching the crucial closing argument phase.

Prosecutors are working to establish Lich and Barber as co-conspirators who organized the Freedom Convoy, using evidence such as social media references and videos showing public enthusiasm for them. The defense, however, contends that the protest was not a single, orchestrated event but involved many independent players.

Not sure convoy supporters celebrating this ruling have read it closely, the judge notes that if he was the government, he probably would have invoked it too.

He says the Freedom Convoy “went beyond legitimate protest and reflected an unacceptable breakdown of public order.” https://t.co/AvcPSC4h2d pic.twitter.com/JsBHBTDZuj

— Luke LeBrun (@_llebrun) January 23, 2024

Implications Beyond the Courtroom

The trial’s significance extends far beyond the specific charges against Lich and Barber. It highlights a deep divide in Canadian public opinion and could have lasting implications for how future protests are handled by authorities. The invocation of the Emergencies Act by the Liberal government—a first in Canadian history—underlines the gravity of the situation.

“This should not be the trial of the Freedom Convoy,” said Lawrence Greenspon, the lawyer representing Lich. “People have to see that the courts treat everybody fairly on both sides of this political divide.”

The outcome of this trial could significantly impact public trust in the Canadian justice system. A recent Statistics Canada survey indicated that only 45.8% of Canadians had high confidence in the justice system by the end of 2022, highlighting the importance of a fair and transparent legal process in this high-profile case.

Broader Context of the Freedom Convoy

The Freedom Convoy opposed COVID-19 restrictions and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government, leading to a three-week occupation of downtown Ottawa and blockades at U.S. border crossings. These events brought international attention to Canada and sparked intense debate about the balance between freedom of expression and public order.

“I think it’s kind of poetic in a way, actually, that we have to pack up and go back there again,” said one of the defendants, highlighting the ongoing significance of the trial’s location in Ottawa.

As the trial progresses, it continues to draw significant public interest and scrutiny. The potential 10-year sentences facing the convoy leaders underscore the serious nature of the charges and the government’s stance on the protests. However, some legal experts, including University of Ottawa law professor Joao Velloso, have noted that mischief is often considered a minor infraction and typically does not result in jail time.