Trial of 'Freedom Convoy' organizers returns to court today
CTV
Two key convoy leaders are heading back to the courtroom today as the trial of Tamara Lich and Chris Barber enters its fourth month.
Two key convoy leaders are heading back to the courtroom today as the trial of Tamara Lich and Chris Barber enters its fourth month.
The pair are co-accused of mischief and intimidation, among other charges, connected to the massive demonstration against COVID-19 restrictions that gridlocked the area near Parliament Hill for weeks in early 2022.
The trial began in September and was expected to wrap up in October, but procedural delays have lengthened the timeline.
"We've really gotten bogged down in procedure which for many people would have looked very confusing and boring but in fact it's very important," said University of Ottawa criminologist Michael Kempa to CTV Morning Live.
Lawyers are only expected to meet in court briefly on Jan. 4, so they can present evidence about the admissibility of documents related to a court order that was issued during the protest.
The Crown argues that the two worked closely enough to be tried as co-conspirators, meaning the evidence applying to one should apply to both.
"It's very important to the Crown," Kempa said.
