“Freedom Convoy” Leaders Tamara Lich and Chris Barber Convicted of Mischief, Cleared of Most Charges

World 11:44 08.04.2025

Two leaders behind the "Freedom Convoy" protest that caused Canada's capital to descend into gridlock for weeks in 2022 have been found guilty of mischief but cleared of most other charges against them, Canadian media report.

Tamara Lich and Chris Barber faced six charges, including mischief, obstructing police, and intimidation.

Their lengthy criminal trial was heard over 45 days over a course of the year. Both had pleaded not guilty.

The two were part of a group that led a convoy of lorries to Ottawa to protest against Covid-19 measures and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government.

The verdict was delivered on Thursday in an Ottawa courtroom.

Both were found guilty of counselling others to commit mischief and committing mischief, but that last finding was stayed after a request by Crown attorneys, CBC reported.

Barber was additionally found guilty of counselling others to disobey a court order.

Their sentencing will be at a later date.

Over the course of the trial, the Crown had argued that the pair held prominent and leading roles in the protests - both had large social media presence and appeared at convoy press events - and that many protesters took their cues from them.

Defence lawyers argued their clients sometimes assisted police in controlling the protests and never encouraged any unlawful behaviour.
The February 2022 protests were initially sparked by a federal vaccine mandate for lorry drivers crossing the US-Canada border.

Convoys of some 400 heavy trucks and other vehicles descended on Ottawa, Canada's capital, and blockaded city streets around parliament for three weeks.

City officials deemed it an "occupation".

Separate protests also blocked a key US-Canada border crossing near Detroit, and in the provinces of Alberta and Manitoba.
The protests received international attention and inspired similar copycat demonstrations abroad.

They came to an end after Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act - the first time the Canadian law has been used - which allowed police to clear the streets and the government to impose bans on public assembly and other measures.

In February, Pat King, another of the central organisers of the protest, received three months house arrest after being found guilty on five counts, including one count each of mischief, counselling others to commit mischief and counselling others to obstruct police.

The Crown, which had asked for 10 years behind bars, is appealing that sentence.

Madina Mammadova//EDnews

IEPF issued a statement regarding Azerbaijani children at the UN Human Rights Council

News line

The heads of state of Azerbaijan and Vietnam made statements to the press
11:57 12.05.2025
May 12 is International Plant Health Day
11:53 12.05.2025
Azerbaijan and Latvia to establish working group on agriculture
11:53 12.05.2025
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister discusses cooperation prospects with Bahraini Prime Minister
11:48 12.05.2025
Baku to host 1st Forum of European and Postal Leaders
11:46 12.05.2025
Azerbaijan's national coordinator for combating human trafficking
11:42 12.05.2025
Ilham Aliyev met with residents who moved to Kangarli village
11:38 12.05.2025
Ilham Aliyev attended inauguration of Kangarli village secondary school in Aghdam
11:34 12.05.2025
Azerbaijan, Bahrain mull prospects for cooperation
11:26 12.05.2025
Turkish defense minister to visit Azerbaijan
11:24 12.05.2025
A key message from Ilham Aliyev: Those who don't reckon with us today will regret it tomorrow
11:19 12.05.2025
" We are working on a cable road project connecting Shusha with Khankendi"
11:13 12.05.2025
National Leader Heydar Aliyev’s 102nd anniversary marked in Moldova
11:13 12.05.2025
Sport festival marking National Leader Heydar Aliyev's 102nd anniversary held in German
11:08 12.05.2025
President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended opening of Aghdam Mugham Center
11:04 12.05.2025
Azerbaijan, UAE explore strategic partnership
10:59 12.05.2025
Azerbaijani President sends congratulatory letter to German Chancellor
10:56 12.05.2025
Azerbaijan debuts at Venice Architecture
10:51 12.05.2025
Azerbaijani FM embarks on official visit to Bahrain
10:48 12.05.2025
Jeyhun Bayramov discussed regional issues with UAE Foreign Minister
10:45 12.05.2025
Azerbaijan Army holds activities on cybersecurity
10:39 12.05.2025
Azerbaijan to establish circular power supply among Aghdam and Asgaran
10:32 12.05.2025
National Leader Heydar Aliyev’s 102nd anniversary marked in Stockholm
10:27 12.05.2025
Jazz concert marking Independence Day of Azerbaijan held in Helsinki
10:23 12.05.2025
National Leader Heydar Aliyev's 102nd anniversary celebrated in London
10:16 12.05.2025
10th National Marketing Forum held in Baku
10:13 12.05.2025
First International Congress of Azerbaijani Neurosurgeons wraps up in Baku
10:07 12.05.2025
Jeyhun Bayramov leaves for an official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain
10:03 12.05.2025
Members of the Public Council under ANAMA have visited the region
16:52 08.05.2025
The "Roots of Peace" organization will host the "Peace Walk"
16:49 08.05.2025
"Since 1948 SL Heads of State have ‘relayed’ on the Ethnic conflict"
15:32 08.05.2025
A conference on the topic "Heydar Aliyev-Independence and Glorious Victory" was held in Lachin
12:44 08.05.2025
Azerbaijan showcases tourism opportunities in Israel
12:39 08.05.2025
''Azerbaijan House'' opened in Lebanon
12:33 08.05.2025
Vietnam prioritizes strategic and political cooperation with Azerbaijan
12:27 08.05.2025
Opening of new Baku City Prosecutor's Office building held
12:23 08.05.2025
Azerbaijani and Morocco may organize mutual cultural days
12:15 08.05.2025
Sahiba Gafarova: Heydar Aliyev's personality is symbol of wisdom for every Azerbaijani
12:09 08.05.2025
Milli Majlis to adopt statement on Heydar Aliyev's 102nd birth anniversary
12:03 08.05.2025
Azerbaijan Confederation of Trade Unions organized an event
11:58 08.05.2025
Hamısı