The leader of the convoy remains on bail
The Canadian Press – May 25, 2022 / 07:43 | History: 369862
Photo: The Canadian Press
An Ottawa judge has ruled that Freedom Convoy organizer Tamara Lich will be released on bail pending trial.
Ontario High Court Judge Kevin Phillips said his decision was based on how he was supervised by Lich’s bail, which has followed his bail conditions, along with “having had a taste of prison “, which reduced the risk of recidivism.
The judge said he did not accept Lich’s breach of his release conditions by agreeing to receive an award, adding that Lich could be trusted to abide by the terms of his release.
She was released on a long list of conditions, including a ban on all social media and an order not to “support anything related to the Freedom Convoy.”
The terms of Lich’s release were intended to prevent a similar protest in the national capital, the judge said, adding that the court did not seek to control people’s political views.
“Courts are not a thoughtful police force. We only seek to control conduct to the extent that certain behaviors violate or may lead to a violation of the law,” he said.
The protest has ended and he has left Ottawa, he said, adding that it would be “virtually impossible” to re-organize a similar protest in the city.
Crown prosecutor Moiz Karimjee said last week that Lich violated one of his bail conditions by agreeing to accept an award for his leadership during the Ottawa protest and should be sent back behind bars to wait for the his judgment.
Lich and his fellow protest organizer Chris Barber are jointly charged with felony criminal mischief, obstructing police, and advising others to commit assault and intimidation.
Lich’s lawyer, Lawrence Greenspon, said last week that his bail conditions should be relaxed to allow him to come to Ontario and use social media.
The “Freedom Convoy” protest turned into a week-long demonstration that blocked the streets of Ottawa.