In an attempt to streamline the cases of four men charged with conspiracy to commit murder stemming from the Coutts, Alta. border blockades, the Crown has filed a direct indictment against one of the four. .The direct indictment has been prepared for Christopher Lysak, 48, one of four men charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Lysak has requested a trial by judge and jury and waved his right to a preliminary hearing so his trial can proceed. .Typically, an accused will have a preliminary hearing, considered to be a screening test, that allows the judge to hear the Crown's case and decide if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. .The Crown can override a preliminary hearing by filing a direct indictment, which needs approval by the attorney general.."The Crown has prepared a direct indictment in this matter and it also joins three other gentlemen with the same person," prosecutor Steven Johnston told Court of Queen's Bench Justice Dallas Miller in Lethbridge, on Monday..The Crown said it intends to try the four accused together. .Along with the charge of conspiracy to commit murder, Lysak also faces charges of uttering threats, possession of a weapon and mischief to property over $5000, and is still in custody after his bail was denied March 2. .Still awaiting bail hearings, Chris Carbert, Anthony Olienick and Jerry Morin remain in custody..A trial date has yet to be set for Lysak, to the disappointment of his lawyer, Jim Lutz. .The judge also said he would not revisit the decision to deny Lysak bail before his trial. .The Coutts, Alta., border blockade began January 29 in protest of the ongoing COVID-19 vaccine mandates and restrictions. .The blockade lasted nearly three weeks with protesters retreating after the seizure of several weapons by RCMP from a small group that joined the larger group of protesters. .In all, 14 people were arrested. Original organizers of the blockade said they were not associated with the individuals involved with the seized weapons.
