LETHBRIDGE — More than 100 people showed up at the Lethbridge courthouse for the sentencing of Chris Carbert and Anthony Olienick on Monday morning, and left disappointed, but not suprised. Several people were turned away from entering the courtroom, as the small gallery filled up quickly.Alberta Justice David Labrenz sentenced Carbert to 6.5 years apiece for possession of a restricted firearm and six months for mischief, to be served concurrently for a total of 6.5 years. Olienick got six years for possession of a restricted firearm, six months for mischeif, to be served concurrently, and a six-month sentence for possession of an explosive, for a total of 6.5 years. Katherin Beyak, defence for Carbert, told the Western Standard she plans to file an appeal by tomorrow morning.As pertains the sealed envelope that could implicate one of the prosecutors in criminality, Beyak said in a closed court with just the lawyers present client-lawyer confidentiality was invoked. Opening the envelope is part of the appeals process, she said."There is also the option of bail pending appeal.""It's going to be a big appeal. It's going to take us a long time to get there."With time served, the men are looking at approximately 16 to 18 months, if there's no bail, said Beyak."This is a gag order on Canadians," Rob Oswin told the Western Standard outside the courthouse. Gino Dimatte found the sentencing "very biased.""I found it was indicative of the condition of our country, which is sadly lacking.""I think we've deviated away from the rule of law, the judge referenced the rule of law, however he didn't apply the rule of law to the Government of Canada, which I think is in breach of the law in many regards, in particular Section 6 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms."The freedom of mobility, I think that's the heart of the matter. Because they'd taken away these men's livelihoods, if they were not vaccinated, they could not work. And they were precluding them from crossing the border and coming back into Canada. Where's the accountability?""I think this resonates with people. People have had enough now. I think we're going to start to see a shift in society. I think this trial is a Watershed moment. People will see the true state of things."Dimatte pointed out how Labrenz cited multiple precedent cases, but "yet he exceeded all the other precedents.""Why would he not match the other precedents of four years?"Marco Van Huigenbos, who also faces mischief charges from the Coutts blockade and will be in court again September 27, said he believes he will get at least one year of jail time."The biggest crime (seems to be) lack of remorse," said Van Huigenbos."It's not over, but this is not what we wanted."Alex Van Herk, who alongside Van Huigenbos faces mischief charges from the Coutts protest, said there's "a lot weighing on the decisions today." "An appeal will have a big impact on the judge, he does not want that on his record," he told the Western Standard."I hope and pray to unseal the envelope.""The judge followed case laws, but I feel if he really looked at (what happened in Coutts), there's enough that happened that could have been used against the RCMP. It all goes back to the Emergencies Act, which was actually called (because of) Coutts.""I believe all decisions made today were on a political agenda. The media needs to make a push to make public the sealed envelope. I believe it's directly related to (Crown prosecutor) Steven Johnson."
