Crown accuses convoy leaders Lich, Barber of working together to gridlock Ottawa

Closing arguments continued in the trial of Tamara Lich and Chris Barber on Wednesday, as prosecutors pointed to instances where the two key figures in what became the Freedom Convoy worked together during the winter 2022 protests.

Both have pleaded not guilty to charges of mischief, intimidation, obstruction and other counts related to their roles in organizing, promoting and raising money for the truck convoy that blocked streets in Ottawa's downtown core to protest against COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

The lengthy trial started nearly a year ago and is now nearing its end.

When closing arguments began on Tuesday, prosecutors told the court they had an «overwhelming case» against the two and «significant» evidence.

Lich and Barber could face jail time if they are found guilty.

Crown prosecutors are asking the court to allow evidence applying to one of the accused to be used against both.

They argue the two acted together in a criminal enterprise to help orchestrate the blockage of downtown roads and other aspects of the protests, like security, fundraising and public relations.

During the second day of closing arguments, prosecutor Tim Radcliffe pointed to what he called instances of the two accused working together to gridlock the city — something that was accomplished over the course of three weeks.

Prosecutors cited text messages, press conferences and social media posts by Lich and Barber referring to unity and solidarity among the protesters, and pointed to their use of the pronouns «we» and «us.»

Before a courtroom audience that included several of the accused's supporters, prosecutors used a slide show to give a week-by-week breakdown of the protests.

The court saw photos of Lich and Barber together in videos and photos