Key convoy figure's defence argues he's 'morally innocent' as trial nears end

A lawyer for Chris Barber, a key figure in the Freedom Convoy, argued Thursday in closing submissions that her client is «morally innocent» and that there is a lack of evidence against him.

Barber and Tamara Lich are jointly charged for their roles in the winter 2022 protests that clogged downtown Ottawa with vehicles as part of a massive protest against vaccine mandates.

They have pleaded not guilty to charges of mischief, intimidation and obstruction, and other alleged offences related to organizing, promoting and fundraising for the convoy.

The trial, which began nearly a year ago, is now nearing its conclusion.

Crown prosecutors spent two days this week arguing thatBarber and Lich worked together in a criminal enterprise to orchestrate the blockage of downtown streets and manage other aspects of the protests, including security, fundraising and public relations.

Barber's defence, led by lawyer Diane Magas, began its closing submissions by arguing that the evidence against her 48-year-old client is lacking.

Throughout the trial, the defence has blamed Ottawa police for gridlocking protesters in the city.

Magas accused city and police officials of poor planning and preparation in the days leading up to the convoy's arrival in Ottawa in late January 2022.

The defence highlighted Barber's Jan. 29 arrival in the city, captured on video and shared online, which was entered as evidence. The video shows Barber in his semi-truck being escorted by police onto Wellington Street near Parliament Hill.

Magas also cited text messages retrieved from Barber's phone upon his arrest. In them, he described the police as «playing games» and being «unclear» with the protesters.

Barber and Lich's defence teams argue that they cooperated with police