“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

Rebuilding hope amid the landmines Thembisa Fakude writting...
13:45 07.05.2025
Azerbaijan increases spending on imports from Türkiye
12:24 06.05.2025
Azerbaijani Deaflympic Committee joins International Committee of Sports
12:19 06.05.2025
Prime Minister of Belarus arrives in Fuzuli
12:05 06.05.2025
Azerbaijan to join youth hockey tournament for first time
12:02 06.05.2025
Ilham Aliyev invites Belarus to participate in World Urban Forum to be held in Azerbaijan
11:59 06.05.2025
Cybersecurity conference to be held in Baku
11:56 06.05.2025
Baku to host cybersecurity conference in may
11:52 06.05.2025
Azerbaijan, Italy's Eni mull energy co-op
11:47 06.05.2025
Belarusian prime minister visits Victory Park in Baku
11:43 06.05.2025
Baku hosts discussion of Azerbaijan-Iran relations amid regional processes
11:29 06.05.2025
Deputy FM: Azerbaijan holds great importance for Iran
11:23 06.05.2025
Hungarian companies hold talks with Azerbaijani pharmaceutical manufacturers
11:21 06.05.2025
2,073 people return to Azerbaijan's Khojaly, Aghdara
11:14 06.05.2025
Azerbaijan, Türkiye hail development of cooperation in military education
11:08 06.05.2025
Have scientists solved the mystery of gold’s origin in the universe?
11:04 06.05.2025
Azerbaijani parliamentary delegation visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi
10:59 06.05.2025
Scientists develop super strong antibodies for new cancer treatment
10:55 06.05.2025
The Prime Minister of Belarus visited the Alley of Honor
10:42 06.05.2025
Tabriz media published an article about the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev
10:38 06.05.2025
Scientists have made great progress in the fight against tuberculosis
10:32 06.05.2025
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received the Prime Minister of Belarus
10:25 06.05.2025
The directions and tasks of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been determined
10:19 06.05.2025
Belarusian government: "A strategic partnership unites us with Azerbaijan"
10:15 06.05.2025
An event dedicated to the 102nd anniversary of Heydar Aliyev's birth was held in Cuba
10:09 06.05.2025
Azerbaijani and Iranian think tanks sign Memorandum of Understanding
10:04 06.05.2025
Heydar Aliyev commemorated in Egypt on his 102nd birthday anniversary
13:02 05.05.2025
Eurovision 2025 commentators from Azerbaijan revealed
12:53 05.05.2025
Imam Mosque in Baku's Amirjan to undergo reconstruction
12:52 05.05.2025
Azerbaijani delegation held discussions on agrarian insurance mechanism in Turkey
12:44 05.05.2025
"Artificial intelligence could replace some government officials"
12:32 05.05.2025
Ambassador: Peace agreement with Yerevan based on Baku's proposals
12:26 05.05.2025
Azerbaijan and Nepal mull cooperation on international platforms
12:17 05.05.2025
Belarusian Prime Minister Alexander Turchin arrives on an official visit to Azerbaijan
12:12 05.05.2025
Hungary and Azerbaijan may cooperate in transport infrastructure
12:08 05.05.2025
25 Azerbaijani wrestlers to participate in international tournament in Turkey
12:02 05.05.2025
Ramin Mammadov visited Vietnam
11:56 05.05.2025
"We expect progress in Vietnam-Azerbaijan relations"
11:47 05.05.2025
Azerbaijani Deputy Samir Sharifov meets with Syria's interim president
11:41 05.05.2025
Green energy corridor biggest project of Hungary and Azerbaijan
11:34 05.05.2025
Hamısı