Closing Arguments Presented in Criminal Trial of Freedom Convoy Organizer Pat King
The defense lawyer representing a key organizer of the 2022 Freedom Convoy in Ottawa denies responsibility for the chaos that occurred during the demonstration.
In her closing statements on July 26, Defense Lawyer Natasha Calvinho urged the court to drop the charges against Pat King, placing blame on the police, city officials, and other protesters for escalating tensions during the event.
Calvinho argues that King was a peaceful protester and not a leader of the downtown gridlock that lasted for three weeks.
King has pleaded not guilty to charges of mischief, inciting others to commit mischief, obstructing police, and other offenses.
The protest attracted thousands of demonstrators to Parliament Hill to oppose public health measures, COVID-19 vaccine mandates, and government policies.
The prosecution relies heavily on King’s own videos posted on social media during the protest to document the event and communicate with fellow protesters.
Related Stories
Justice Charles Hackland interjected during Calvinho’s closing arguments to question the relevance of specific elements of the defense evidence to King and his charges.
Calvinho maintained that the evidence provided context lacking in the Crown’s case.
When King’s trial commenced in May, the Crown alleged he played a prominent role in the protest, influencing the crowds as they disrupted traffic and made noise throughout the day and night.
The prosecution is scheduled to present its closing arguments later in the afternoon of July 26.
