The mainstream media continues to run splashy headlines over the fact the trial of two prominent Freedom Convoy leaders has exceeded the number of days truckers and supporters protested in Canada. But the reason the criminal proceedings of Tamara Lich and Chris Barber have been delayed involves the federal government’s attempt to suppress evidence while painting the working-class protest as something of an insurrection.
“In a world where the trite, the mundane, and the trivial are called ‘awesome’ and ‘amazing,’ it is no surprise, but nevertheless disappointing, that the demonstration of Jan. 26 to Feb. 19 in the downtown of Ottawa would be referred to as an ‘occupation,’” Lawrence Greenspon, an attorney representing Lich, reportedly said.
Defense attorneys were stunned to receive substantially redacted copies of emails exchanged between law enforcement and Freedom Convoy participants.
Charged with committing mischief, obstructing police, inciting mischief, and intimidation, Lich and Barber were expected to receive a speedy 10- to 16-day trial. More than 26 days later, Justice Heather Perkins-McVey recently ordered the case to restart on Wednesday, Nov. 8, after prosecutors moved to keep police communications with protesters redacted.
The Ottawa State Police reportedly claimed they enjoyed solicitor-client privilege over the information, and defendants had no right to use the communications at their trial.
Justice Perkins-McVey recently ruled that some blacked-out correspondence can be entered as evidence. But of greater concern is that so-called software upgrades have reportedly erased potential evidence from two phones used by police officers. Reports also suggest that critical electronic messages have been deleted by police and government officials.
“(Officers who) knew they would be involved in the case … knew they had to have their phones upgraded and yet did not take the responsible steps to ensure that all the evidence and disclosure was preserved,” Justice Perkins-McVey reportedly said.
Adding insult to injury, Ottawa’s primary emergency and protective services official — Kim Ayotte — appeared in court to testify without bringing his notes regarding the incident. Once Ayotte retrieved the information and took the witness stand, lawyers repeatedly interrupted and argued over the appropriateness of questions. Reports indicate the disjointed examination involved five separate stoppages as Ayotte was asked to leave the room.
Between the trucker protests that log-jammed international border crossings and those that turned Ottawa into a parking lot, the Freedom Convoy lasted one month and one day. The trial will surpass that mark by week’s end.
Sources:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/tamara-lich-chris-barber-trial-police-evidence-1.7008914
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/city-official-testifies-in-slow-moving-convoy-trial-1.6971606
Leave a Comment