What’s Next for Coutts Protesters after Latest Not Guilty Verdict?

August 5, 2024 TruthUSA

As the trial of the four protesters nears its end, two men have been found not guilty of conspiring to kill RCMP police officers at the Coutts, Alta., border blockade in 2022.

The jury on Aug. 2 acquitted Anthony Olienick and Chris Carbert of the most serious charge of murder conspiracy related to their role in the U.S.-Canada border blockade. They were, however, convicted on lesser charges of mischief and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. Olienick was also convicted of possessing a pipe bomb.

During the 2022 Freedom Convoy protests against COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine mandates, the two men, along with Jerry Morin and Christopher Lysak, were accused of conspiring to kill police officers at the blockade near Coutts. The “Coutts Four” were arrested after the RCMP found firearms, ammunition, and body armour in trailers near Coutts.

Following the arrests, the convoy demonstrators abandoned the Coutts protest site to distance themselves from the alleged perpetrators. Morin and Lysak entered into plea deals in February 2024. Morin admitted to a charge of conspiracy to traffic firearms, while Lysak admitted to a charge of possession of a weapon in an unauthorized place. Morin was sentenced to 3 1/2 years and Lysak to three years.

Carbert and Olienick, however, are awaiting sentencing for their convictions on mischief, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and possessing a pipe bomb on Aug. 12.

During the trial, the jury heard statements and text messages from the accused expressing their views on the blockade as a stance against perceived tyranny by the federal government. Carbert referred to police as “losers” and “the enemy,” while Olienick voiced concerns about potential consequences of failing in Coutts. Olienick’s lawyer argued that the pipe bombs found in his home were intended for industrial use.

Although the defence did not dispute the men’s warnings and threats, they maintained that these did not amount to a conspiracy to commit murder.