The high profile trial of two “Freedom Convoy” leaders Tamara Lich and Chris Barber began Tuesday, with Crown lawyers calling on an Ottawa police officer to testify.
The court was shown an 11-minute video of police footage gathered during the protests that became known as the “Freedom Convoy” in February 2022.
Lich and Barber helped lead thousands of protesters and a convoy of truckers to Ottawa, who occupied the streets of Ottawa for nearly four weeks. They rallied the protesters, and told them to “hold the line” when police tried to break up the honking crowds. They also raised millions of dollars for the movement.
The charges against Lich and Barber include mischief, obstructing police, counselling others to commit mischief and intimidation.
This is the best summary I could come up with:
The high profile trial of two “Freedom Convoy” leaders Tamara Lich and Chris Barber began Tuesday, with Crown lawyers calling on an Ottawa police officer to testify.
During opening statements at the Ontario Court of Justice, Crown lawyer Tim Radcliffe said the case is not about Lich and Barber’s political views, but instead how they “crossed the line” in committing the crimes they’re accused of.
The two sat in the first row of seats behind their lawyers, flanked by a courtroom of supporters and other onlookers, including news reporters.
Day one of the trial began Tuesday with Crown lawyers detailing some of the evidence they intend on calling.
Their highly anticipated, judge-alone trial will hear from several witnesses and view hundreds of pieces of evidence, including 50 videos.
Radcliffe said around 22 witnesses are expected to be called, including senior Ottawa police leadership, city officials and people who lived and worked downtown during the protests in February 2022.
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