Freedom Convoy Organizers’ Trial Concludes with Crown’s Closing Arguments

August 14, 2024 TruthUSA

Crown prosecutors concluded their closing arguments in the criminal trial against Freedom Convoy organizers Chris Barber and Tamara Lich, arguing that the close collaboration between the pair meant evidence against one should apply to both.

The two are facing charges of mischief, intimidation, and counseling others to break the law related to the trucker protest in early 2022. Barber is additionally accused of counseling others to disregard a court order.

The protest involved hundreds of vehicles flooding downtown Ottawa to protest COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine mandates.

The federal government invoked the Emergencies Act on Feb. 14 to halt the protest, granting law enforcement expanded powers to arrest protesters and freeze their bank accounts.

In court on Aug. 14, Crown attorney Tim Radcliffe presented text messages and social media transcripts showing how Barber and Lich planned to incite unlawful behavior during the protest. He referenced messages where Barber criticized the disruption caused by protesters and discussed gridlocking the city.

Radcliffe also mentioned a text exchange on the second day of the protest, where Lich invited Barber to the protest’s “command center” to make strategic decisions together.

Radcliffe explained that a text message exchange on Jan. 30 showed Lich sought Barber’s input despite having the authority to make decisions. “And who does she reach out to? Mr. Barber,” he said, noting that Barber agreed to join her.

He also cited a statement by Barber on Feb. 16, indicating they considered surrender but ultimately decided to continue protesting despite impending police action.

The defense attorneys for Lich and Barber will present their closing arguments on Aug. 15.

Judge Decries ‘Inappropriate’ Incident

Justice Heather Perkins-McVey addressed the court, expressing her disappointment at receiving uncivil emails and witnessing inappropriate exchanges involving threats during the trial.

She mentioned an incident on Aug. 14 where inappropriate interactions occurred, leading to a warning about respecting the judicial process. “A decision has been made not to pursue prosecution, but any future incidents will be investigated,” she stated.

Lich, who has had a bodyguard during the trial, shared on Facebook an incident where she was followed by someone recording her on Aug. 14. They eventually returned to a safe location and called for transportation.

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