Tamara Lich, Chris Barber should not be punished for role in Freedom Convoy, lawyer says

[Hol]

On October 7th or 8th, the sentencing ruling will be issued for Chris Barber and Tamara Lich, two "spiritual leaders" of the 2022 Trucker Convoy in Ottawa. Surprisingly, both were convicted despite weak evidence, with the trial seemingly focused on the convoy rather than individual actions.

The Crown seeks eight years for Barber and seven for Lich, also attempting to seize Barber's truck, which is his family's livelihood. The case is seen as a political show trial, with mischief charges for peaceful protest typically avoiding jail time or criminal records, unlike the lenient sentences for left-wing protests involving non-violent disruptions.

John Carpay, leader of the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF), which is raising funds for Barber's legal defense, pointed out the inconsistency within Canadian law enforcement.

Carpay suggested that police seem to prioritize the cause being promoted over the actual conduct, highlighting the different approaches taken towards anti-lockdown protests compared to anti-racism protests in 2020. As an example of this bias, he mentioned that no charges were filed when Indigenous protesters toppled a Queen Victoria statue in 2021.

https://www.rebelnews.com/tamara_lich_chris_barber_should_not_be_punished_for_role_in_freedom_convoy

 

[Hol]

Related:

Justice System Criticized for Lenient Treatment of Dangerous Offenders​

Canada struggles with violent offenders, exemplified by a recent Toronto manslaughter case and a CAMH patient deemed "not criminally responsible" for 2011 sex assaults.

Deportation Concerns and Judicial Leniency

The discussion opens with the case of Victor Bueron, who faces manslaughter charges in Toronto and whose guilty plea for unrelated gun and drug offenses was postponed due to deportation concerns. The speakers express outrage that a judge would prioritize an individual's immigration status over serious criminal charges, especially when "gun grab zealots" and "activist judges" are quick to punish law-abiding citizens for minor infractions.

The Canadian legal and political systems prioritize non-citizens, especially asylum seekers and refugees, over citizens, according to the panel. This is exemplified by Justin Trudeau's "a Canadian is a Canadian is a Canadian" applied to non-citizens with criminal records, encouraging exploitation without real sanctions for lawbreakers.

The judge's decision to extend a "lifeline" to Bueron, despite his admission of guilt to serious crimes, is attributed to a fear of appearing racist or going against "orthodoxy." This is compared to another case where an individual from India, accused of attempting to solicit a minor, received no criminal record due to concerns about his immigration process.

…

The overall sentiment is one of disbelief and frustration at a justice system that is perceived as overly compassionate to the "worst of the worst," seemingly at the expense of public safety.

https://www.rebelnews.com/justice_system_criticized_for_lenient_treatment_of_dangerous_offenders

 

[Hol]

Related:

"These Were TERRORISTS": Ottawa Residents React to the 2022 Freedom Convoy​

Rebel News polled Ottawa locals on their views regarding the Freedom Convoy and the Crown's severe sentencing requests.

On July 23, Convoy organizers Lich and Barber returned to court for sentencing submissions.

While Rebel News founder Ezra Levant live-tweeted from inside the courtroom, Guillaume Roy and Alexa Lavoie were outside, asking: What do Ottawa residents really think about the convoy—and the Crown’s push for harsh punishment?

The responses were shocking, emotional, and deeply divided.

One man didn’t hold back: “These were terrorists causing grief to all of the residents of Ottawa… I really do hope that they get what they deserve in court.” Another echoed the sentiment: “They should all be in jail. This was a pre-meditated deliberate attempt to break the law.”

https://www.rebelnews.com/ottawa_residents_react_to_the_2022_freedom_convoy