In a major ruling from Ottawa, two prominent figures from the 2022 “Freedom Convoy” protests were found guilty of mischief on Thursday. Tamara Lich and Chris Barber led the demonstrations that effectively paralyzed Canada’s capital for weeks, protesting against pandemic restrictions. Their actions prompted an outcry that reverberated across the country, halting millions in trade with the U.S.
The court’s decision followed a lengthy 31-month trial. Lich and Barber received guilty verdicts for causing public disruption and damage, facing potential penalties of up to 10 years in prison. However, they were acquitted on other serious charges, igniting debates about their treatment compared to protestors advocating for different causes.
The Freedom Convoy originated as a grassroots movement among truck drivers pushed back by vaccination requirements at the U.S. border. Lich and Barber, both vocal about their beliefs and backgrounds in trucking and activism, expressed their unwavering love for Canada despite the verdict.
The previous year, fellow organizer Pat King was also convicted, highlighting a broader crackdown on the protests. With protests erupting at key border points and sparking concern about safety, law enforcement had to take drastic measures, including freezing protesters' assets under a rare emergency order invoked by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The court’s decision followed a lengthy 31-month trial. Lich and Barber received guilty verdicts for causing public disruption and damage, facing potential penalties of up to 10 years in prison. However, they were acquitted on other serious charges, igniting debates about their treatment compared to protestors advocating for different causes.
The Freedom Convoy originated as a grassroots movement among truck drivers pushed back by vaccination requirements at the U.S. border. Lich and Barber, both vocal about their beliefs and backgrounds in trucking and activism, expressed their unwavering love for Canada despite the verdict.
The previous year, fellow organizer Pat King was also convicted, highlighting a broader crackdown on the protests. With protests erupting at key border points and sparking concern about safety, law enforcement had to take drastic measures, including freezing protesters' assets under a rare emergency order invoked by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
