Final chapter of 'Freedom Convoy' organizers' trial begins with closing arguments

OTTAWA -

 The criminal trial for "Freedom Convoy" organizers Tamara Lich and Chris Barber has entered its final chapter as the Crown began final submissions today.

Lich and Barber were among several organizers who brought a huge number of demonstrators and big-rig trucks to Ottawa two years ago to protest pandemic-era public health restrictions and vaccine mandates.

Their criminal trial began in September 2023 and has been plagued with delays that have dragged the proceedings on for nearly a year.

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Lich arrived at the Ottawa courthouse to some fanfare from a small gathering of supporters who chanted "Freedom!"

Both are accused of mischief, intimidation and several charges related to counselling others to break the law.

Barber also faces a charge of counselling others to disobey a court order.

As part of its closing arguments, the Crown says the two conspired in lockstep to organize an illegal protest and that evidence against one of them should apply to both.

Lich and Barber's lawyers have argued throughout the trial that organizing a protest is not an illegal activity and is protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The court has scheduled three days to hear the final arguments in the case, as well as several extra days next week in case the arguments go long.

"We will have ample time to ensure we are completed by next week," Justice Heather Perkins-McVey said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 13, 2024.