Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, prominent figures in the 2022 “Freedom Convoy,” have been given conditional sentences, avoiding additional jail time. Earlier this year, Barber was convicted of mischief and inciting others to defy a court order, while Lich was found guilty of mischief. Both were acquitted of several other charges.
Under the recent ruling, each will serve an 18-month conditional sentence, with twelve months confined at home with limited outings weekly, followed by six months under a 10 p.m. curfew. Lich will receive credit for the 19 days spent in jail initially, as well as an additional 30 days for breaching bail conditions. Furthermore, both individuals are required to complete 100 hours of community service.
Lich’s lawyer, Lawrence Greenspon, mentioned they are contemplating an appeal of her conviction, emphasizing their priority was ensuring she did not spend any more time in jail. Barber’s defense attorney, Diane Magas, stated that her client respects the judge’s decision, deeming it reasonable and within their expectations.
During sentencing hearings in July, the Crown sought severe penalties for Barber and Lich, requesting eight years for Barber and seven for Lich. The prosecutors argued that such harsh sentences were warranted due to the significant impact the pair had on the public during the Ottawa protests they orchestrated.
The protests, organized by Lich and Barber, involved thousands of demonstrators parking vehicles in the city center, causing prolonged gridlock. The protests aimed to oppose the federal government’s COVID-19 mandates and raised substantial funds. Eventually, the federal government invoked the Emergencies Act to disband the demonstrations.
Lich and Barber’s legal representatives advocated for an absolute discharge, with Magas expressing that an eight-year sentence would have been excessive. An absolute discharge would have meant no criminal record for Lich.