Tamara Lich, a key figure in what became the “Freedom Convoy,” is appealing her mischief conviction for her role in the 2022 Ottawa protest.
In April, Lich was found guilty of mischief. Co-accused Chris Barber was found guilty of mischief and counselling others to disobey a court order.
Both were found not guilty on several other counts, but the court found they did cross the line from political protest into criminal activity.
Each were handed conditional sentences last month and spared further jail time.
After a lengthy 42-day trial that ended three years after the pair was charged, an appeal was almost inevitable, as Lich had signalled a guilty verdict wouldn’t be accepted even before the trial began.
In documents filed with the Ontario Court of Appeal, Lich’s lawyer Lawrence Greenspon argues the finding of guilt was unreasonable and not supported by the evidence.
Greenspon also argues the judge mistakenly used evidence uniquely admissible against Barber for findings on Lich. Greenspon additionally contends that Lich promoted peace throughout the protest and her conduct was protected under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Lich is seeking to have the appeal court set aside her conviction and give her an acquittal, or set aside the finding of guilt and order a new trial.
Barber’s sentencing continued after his sentence was delivered because Crown prosecutors are also trying to seize the truck he used to travel to Ottawa during the 2022 protests.
Because arguments on the truck seizure were delayed, Barber has more time to seek an appeal.
