Ottawa, Canada – Two leaders involved in organizing the “Freedom Convoy” protest that led to weeks of gridlock in Canada’s capital in 2022 have been convicted of mischief while cleared of several other charges, according to reports from Canadian media outlets.

Tamara Lich and Chris Barber faced multiple charges, including mischief, obstructing police, and intimidation, during their extensive criminal trial, which spanned 45 days over the year. Despite pleading not guilty, both were found guilty of counseling others to commit mischief and committing mischief, with the latter charge being stayed at the request of Crown attorneys.

In addition to the convictions, Barber was also found guilty of counseling others to disobey a court order. The sentencing for both individuals is set for a later date. Throughout the trial, the prosecution argued that Lich and Barber played prominent roles in the protests, utilizing their large social media presence and appearing at convoy press events to influence other demonstrators.

Defense attorneys, on the other hand, contended that their clients at times assisted police in managing the protests and did not promote any illegal conduct. The protests initially erupted in February 2022 in response to a federal vaccine mandate for truck drivers crossing the US-Canada border, sparking convoys of around 400 heavy trucks and other vehicles to converge on Ottawa, where they blockaded city streets near parliament for three weeks.

Described by city officials as an “occupation,” the protests also resulted in disruptions at a key US-Canada border crossing near Detroit, as well as in the provinces of Alberta and Manitoba. The demonstrations garnered global attention and even inspired similar protests internationally.

Ultimately, the protests came to a halt after Prime Minister Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act, permitting law enforcement to clear the streets and the government to implement restrictions on public gatherings and other measures. Another central organizer, Pat King, received three months of house arrest for his involvement in the protests and is currently appealing the sentence after the Crown sought a ten-year jail term.