Freedom Convoy protester Tamara Lich is accused of breaching her bail conditions and the Crown prosecution argues she should go back to back in jail until her trial..Lich was initially denied bail following her arrest during the massive protest that took place in downtown Ottawa for a little over three weeks in February. She was released from lock up in March after her bail conditions were reviewed..She and fellow protester Chris Barber are both charged with mischief, obstructing police, counselling others to commit mischief, obstructing police, and intimidation..The Crown argued Lich violated one of her bail conditions by agreeing to accept a “freedom award” from the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, (JCCF) — a federally registered charity defending Canadians’ fundamental freedoms under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms..According to the application, the Crown is seeking to have Lich returned to jail on grounds that she “continued her support of the Convoy cause with the assistance of Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms.”.The JCCF announced in early May that Lich is set to receive an award in a gala presentation in Toronto featuring keynote speaker Rex Murphy. An event poster prominently featuring Lich was included in the Crown’s application..Lich “inspired Canadians to exercise their Charter rights and freedoms by participating actively in the democratic process, and took the initiative to help organize a peaceful protest and serve as one of its leaders,” the poster reads. “Ms. Lich has suffered for the cause of freedom by spending 18 days unjustly jailed, and exemplifies courage, determination, and perseverance.”.The Crown said her attendance at the gala would constitute a breach of bail conditions that state Lich cannot “verbally, in writing, financially, or by any other means, support anything related to the Freedom Convoy.” They argue Lich’s alleged attendance at the June gala event represents “a material change in circumstance,” according to the Crown application..The Western Standard reported May 3 that JCCF announced in April Lich will attend the event via Zoom — rather than in person — if her bail conditions are not modified..Tickets for the event cost $200, while VIP access will cost $500. The Crown claims the price discrepancy indicates “it is the only reasonable inference that Ms. Lich has agreed to attend to this event in support of [the event].”.The Crown will also seek a review of Lich’s initial release order, arguing there were “errors in law” made by Superior Court Justice John Johnston who made the decision to release Lich from prison on March 7..That decision overturned the earlier lower court ruling by Ontario Court Justice Julie Bourgeois..Johnston was mistaken, according to the Crown arguments, when he suggested Bourgeois committed an error “by failing to consider the objective gravity of the offence … and focused on the impact.”.The Crown said Johnston was also mistaken that the mischief charges Lich faces “would not attract a significant jail sentence.".“Of note, [Johnston] has no special expertise in relation to sentencing compared to Justice Bourgeois, who only presides over criminal matters,” according to the Crown’s application..The Crown further argued the judge gave “no analysis of how confidence in the administration of justice would be undermined by releasing a person who had openly advocated for civil disobedience.”.Prosecutors are seeking a judicial order return Lich to custody. Superior Court Justice Julianne Parfett is expected to preside over Thursday’s hearing..Meanwhile, Lich’s lawyers plan to argue that her bail conditions are too restrictive should be reconsidered.
