Following his conviction for mischief, Chris Barber, a key organizer of the 2022 mass protest in Ottawa, has requested a stay of proceedings. This request comes two weeks after an Ontario judge found both Barber and Tamara Lich guilty for their involvement in the demonstration. Barber argues that the proceedings should be paused because he sought advice from legal professionals, police authorities, and a Superior Court Judge regarding the protest’s legality.
The application for the stay was submitted a day after Barber was informed that Crown prosecutors are seeking a two-year prison sentence. This was revealed in a news release from the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, a non-profit organization supporting Barber’s defense. If the application is successful, it could prevent Barber from serving jail time.
Barber and Lich played pivotal roles in orchestrating the protest, which brought hundreds of vehicles and thousands of demonstrators to downtown Ottawa. They vowed to remain in the area until the COVID-19 public health mandates were lifted. The trial judge determined that Barber had actively encouraged participation in the protest, despite being aware of the negative impact it was having on local residents and businesses.
Impact on Daily Life
This legal development could have several implications for both the individuals involved and the broader community. For Barber, a successful stay of proceedings could mean avoiding incarceration and maintaining his personal freedom. It also highlights the potential influence of legal advice on protest activities and their subsequent judicial evaluations.
For the Ottawa community, the proceedings’ outcome could affect public perception of the legal system’s handling of protests and civil disobedience. The case underscores the tension between individual rights to protest and the community’s right to maintain public order and safety. As residents continue to grapple with the protest’s aftermath, the legal proceedings also serve as a reminder of the ongoing discussions around civil liberties and public health mandates.
