Freedom Convoy trial of Lich, Barber headed to closing arguments

Closing arguments are expected to be heard in August in the trial of two leaders of what became known as the Freedom Convoy.

Tamara Lich and Chris Barber are charged with mischief, intimidation and offences related to counselling others to break the law during the protest that took over downtown Ottawa for more than three weeks in early 2022.

The trial began in September but has been slowed by delays. This week, lawyers for Lich and Barber announced they would not be calling any of their own evidence.

Final submissions are expected to be heard Aug. 13-15.

«We've reviewed the evidence that's been tendered by the Crown, it's been all subject to cross examination,» Lich's lawyer Lawrence Greenspon said outside of court Friday.

«We're of the view that there's nothing that really needs to be added or that should be added by the defence to the body of evidence that the Crown has presented.»

Pair 'crossed the line,' Crown says

Crown prosecutors Tim Radcliffe and Siobhain Wetscher argued the case is not about Lich and Barber's political views, but instead how they «crossed the line» in committing the crimes they're accused of.

They used police and resident testimony, hours of video evidence, and mountains of social media content and text messages to argue the two accused had control and influence over the protest.

«We're looking forward to making final submissions before the judge on the basis of that evidence,» said Greenspon.

Defence lawyers have argued throughout the trial that Lich and Barber worked with police and city officials, and remained peaceful during their time in Ottawa.

Most of the court time this week was spent debating how specific pieces of evidence will be viewed by the judge in making her decision.

Lawyers for Lich