Tamara Lich and Chris Barber: Freedom Convoy Verdict
The Ottawa courthouse delivered its verdict on April 3rd, 2025, concluding the lengthy trial of Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, key organizers of the 2022 Freedom Convoy. The case, which garnered international attention, focused on their roles in the weeks-long protest against COVID-19 restrictions. The judge, Justice Heather Perkins-McVey, delivered a complex verdict, highlighting the significant role TikTok played in the prosecution's case.
The Verdict: Guilty of Mischief, Not Guilty on Other Charges
Justice Perkins-McVey found both Lich and Barber not guilty of intimidation and counselling to commit intimidation, as well as obstructing police and counselling to obstruct police. However, Barber was found guilty of counselling others to disobey a court order (regarding the honking injunction), while Lich received a guilty verdict on the charge of mischief. Another mischief charge against Barber was stayed by the Crown. The judge emphasized that while both consistently called for peaceful protest, Barber's TikTok videos, which Judge Perkins-McVey extensively reviewed, played a crucial role in the guilty verdict. These videos, according to the judge, showed Barber encouraging continued participation in the protests despite awareness of the disruption and harm caused to Ottawa residents and businesses. One video highlighted an “empty intersection” that Barber suggested needed “fixing,” suggesting a call for protesters to fill it. He also suggested that replacing any trucks removed by authorities would be necessary to continue protest action.
Reactions and Next Steps
Lich's lawyer, Lawrence Greenspon, expressed some satisfaction with the outcome, while Barber and his lawyer, Diane Magas, left the courthouse without comment. Supporters greeted both Lich and Barber with enthusiastic displays of affection outside the courtroom. A sentencing date is scheduled for April 16th, 2025. The case now highlights the complex legal considerations surrounding freedom of protest, the use of social media in organizing protests, and the balance between individual rights and public order. The substantial legal costs incurred, exceeding $10 million, underscores the magnitude of the case.
The Broader Context: Freedom Convoy and its Legacy
The Freedom Convoy, a significant event in Canadian history, sparked debate about the balance between civil liberties and public safety. The use of the Emergencies Act by the Trudeau government, later ruled unconstitutional, remains a point of intense political discussion. The trial of Lich and Barber provides an important legal precedent for future cases involving similar protests and the role of social media in organizing collective action. The case continues to be a focal point of discussion and further appeals are expected.
