Summary
Two leaders of the "Freedom Convoy" protest in Ottawa, Canada, have been given conditional sentences rather than more jail time. Tamara Lich and Chris Barber were found guilty of mischief related to the 2022 protest against Covid-19 measures but were cleared of most other charges. They will serve 18-month conditional sentences with restrictions at home, including community service.
Key Facts
- The protest took place in 2022 and was against Covid-19 measures and the then-government of Justin Trudeau.
- Tamara Lich and Chris Barber led the convoy, which gridlocked Ottawa with trucks for three weeks.
- They received 18-month conditional sentences; 12 months at home with limited outings and six months with a curfew.
- The Crown wanted seven years for Lich and eight years for Barber, while their lawyers sought an absolute discharge.
- The Crown is trying to seize Barber's truck, arguing it was part of the protest.
- Barber's lawyer contends the truck is crucial for his business and family use.
- The protests ended when the government used the Emergencies Act, its first use, to clear the streets.
- Another protest organizer, Pat King, will have his sentence appealed by the Crown.
