Here’s what happened on Day 1 of the ‘Freedom Convoy’ trial
Crown prosecutor Tim Radcliffe says that “Freedom Convoy” organizers Tamara Lich and Chris Barber’s political views are not on trial, but rather the means they allegedly employed to achieve their ends.
The charges of mischief, obstructing police, counselling others to commit mischief, and intimidation stem from the demonstration that saw hundreds of trucks and thousands of people encamp across much of the parliamentary precinct and surrounding parts of downtown Ottawa.
This lasted for three weeks in late January and into February, 2022.
The stated goal of the convoy was to have the government repeal COVID-19 vaccine mandates and passports.
After the federal government took the unprecedented step and invoked the Emergencies Act, a massive police operation cleared Ottawa’s downtown of trucks.
Many people were arrested, including Lich and Barber.
About 40 spectators and around a dozen reporters filled the courtroom for the start of the high-profile trial, which is expected to last for 16 days.
One of the spectators told Lich “you have a beautiful soul” as she entered the courtroom.
The Crown will have 10 days to present their evidence, which includes 22 witnesses.
Crown prosecutor Tim Radcliffe says this includes senior leadership form the Ottawa Police Service, members of the OPS liaison team, senior officials with the City of Ottawa and the mayor’s office plus downtown Ottawa residents and some people who work in the area.
The defence will have three days to make their case, plus three more days to cover any extra evidence.
Lich’s lawyer, Lawerence Greenspon put forward a motion to block nine Crown witnesses from the list of downtown Ottawa residents and businesses. This includes Zexi Li, who is notable for getting a
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