Freedom Convoy's Pat King out on bail under strict conditions

Pat King danced out of the Ottawa courthouse Friday after being given bail with stricter social media rules and a new charge for breaching his original conditions — and having forfeited $25,000 to the court.

The controversial organizer behind what became known as the Freedom Convoy protests was jailed for one week.

His bail was revoked following allegations he violated court-imposed rules on his social media use.

King is unable to afford his legal defence and was granted permission by an Ontario court to raise funds online to pay his lawyer — but only for that purpose.

Throughout his trial, which lasted three weeks, King used social media broadcasts to discuss the media's reporting on his case and his opinions about the judge, criticize Crown prosecutors and discuss COVID-19 mandates and a «UN migrant compact.»

As CBC has reported previously, King also discussed in those broadcasts the people overseeing him while on bail and his plans to sue the government following a possible victory in the courts.

The Crown says his online activity extended beyond what was allowed between July 10 and 29.

Further details of Friday's bail hearing are subject to a publication ban.

King's new bail conditions come with much more strict rules on his social media use.

He is not allowed to have other people post on his behalf and must limit his online communications to fundraising.

The court also has imposed limits on the items he can auction off to fund his defence. King can't sell any items related to the Freedom Convoy and is allowed only to describe the items up for sale.

Several hours of court time Friday were spent going over King's alleged breach and prior use of social media.

After an extended lunch break, Crown prosecutor Moiz Karimjee and