It has been 524 days since Anthony Olienick, Chris Carbert, Chris Lysak, and Jerry Morin were arrested and charged during the Coutts Blockade. These individuals were supporters of the Coutts Blockade and had participated in peaceful demonstrations that lasted for 18 days. The blockade was organized as a protest against vaccine mandates and Covid-19 restrictions. The demonstration took place at the Coutts/Sweet Grass border crossing, which is the largest international border crossing Alberta shares with the United States.
The arrests occurred on February 13th and 14th, 2022, during the execution of warrants near the Coutts Blockade. These warrants, known as ITOs, did not require a judge’s signature before being implemented. The four individuals face multiple charges, including mischief, weapons offenses, and conspiracy to murder RCMP officers. Their arrests came just hours before Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act to control peaceful demonstrations across the country.
Several publication bans have been issued, and the crown prosecutor has been criticized for failing to provide timely and complete disclosure. These bans have made it difficult to obtain all the details surrounding the case. The four men are currently being held in pre-trial custody and are expected to appear in court next week. However, it is likely to take much longer for them to be released.
The denial of bail last summer and the hidden reasoning behind it have added to the frustration surrounding this case. Defense lawyers have repeatedly requested disclosure from the crown prosecutor, citing failures to provide full and timely disclosure. This lack of transparency is a serious issue that impacts the defendants’ ability to prepare their defense.
Rebel News, an independent media outlet, has been closely following this story. They have been working to obtain and review the documents related to the case to shed light on the undisclosed details. The outlet relies on donations from supporters to cover the costs of attending court proceedings and obtaining relevant documents.
The events at Coutts have sparked a broader conversation about peaceful protests and the use of force by authorities. Many argue that Trudeau capitalized on the arrests to justify the use of force against peaceful protesters, particularly in Ottawa. However, in Coutts, the demonstrators decided to end the blockade after hearing about the arrests. They wanted to send a message that their movement was peaceful.
While the focus has primarily been on these four individuals, there are many other cases from Coutts that have yet to make their way through the courts. The delayed and incomplete disclosure of evidence may also affect these cases. It is crucial to ensure that all defendants receive a fair and transparent legal process.
Rebel News remains committed to providing updates on the proceedings and seeking justice for these individuals. They continue to rely on donations from their supporters to cover the costs of attending court proceedings and obtaining relevant documents. They believe that mainstream media has failed to adequately report on this case and are dedicated to filling that gap.
As the legal proceedings continue, the hope is that a fair and just outcome will be reached for these individuals. The right to a fair trial and timely disclosure of evidence are fundamental principles of the justice system. By closely following this case and holding authorities accountable, Rebel News hopes to ensure that justice is served.
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