The organizer of the Freedom Convoy, Tamara Lich, has been released on bail after being arrested in early July for allegedly violating her bail conditions.
• Also read: One of the leaders of the “Freedom Convoy” is released on bail
• Also read: The judge refuses to release Tamara Lich again
Facing multiple charges, Ms. Lich, who was on parole and awaiting trial, had met fellow defendant and anti-vaccine movement activist Tom Marazzo on June 16 at a gala hosted by the Justice Center for Constitutional Liberties, despite being strictly forbidden to do so .
A Canada-wide arrest warrant was issued following that incident and Ms. Lich was arrested in her hometown of Medicine Hat, Alberta on June 27 for violating her terms of release. Since that date she has been behind bars.
Ms. Lich’s camp argued before the Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa on July 8 that their interaction with Mr. Marazzo was legitimate because their respective attorneys were there that evening and the exchange was brief.
The argument was not enough to convince Judge Paul Harris.
“Your detention is necessary to maintain confidence in the administration of justice,” he said.
The prosecutor on file used a photo and video taken during the gala to argue that Tamara Lich failed to meet her release terms.
Ms. Lich was released from prison in March, a few weeks after her arrest. She is specifically accused of mischief and obstructing the work of the police and encouraging others to do so.
Judge Harris added to that list a charge of violating the rules of his release.
On Monday, Ms Lich’s attorney, Lawrence Greenspon, argued in court that the two organizers did nothing more than shake hands and together at the gala hosted by the Justice Center for Constitutional Liberties, where she received a “freedom award.” posing for a picture Rolle in the protests that occupied downtown Ottawa for weeks in February. The crew protested COVID-19 restrictions, including vaccination requirements at work and for truck drivers.
Ontario Superior Court Judge Andrew Goodman said the previous July 8 order of Lich’s detention was “clearly inappropriate” and made possible her release. He warned her to abide by the terms of her bail as he does not expect her to be released a third time if her bail is again challenged.