(Ottawa) The criminal trial of “freedom convoy” organizer Pat King is set to resume Thursday, when the defence will begin presenting its evidence.
Mr. King was a prominent figure in the “Freedom Convoy,” a protest in which participants blocked downtown Ottawa for more than three weeks in the winter of 2022.
The protesters were opposing COVID-19 health restrictions, vaccination requirements and, more broadly, the work of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Pat King has pleaded not guilty to charges of mischief, counselling others to commit mischief, disobeying a court order and obstructing police officers.
When his trial began in May, the Crown argued he was a protest leader who exerted influence over crowds.
The Crown is relying primarily on Mr. King’s own videos, which he posted on social media throughout the protest to document the event and communicate with protesters.
Mr King’s lawyer, Natasha Calvinho, is expected to call her first witness on Thursday.