Quebec influencer opposed to health measures Steeve “L’Artiss” Charland will have to spend at least six more nights behind bars in Ottawa, since his release hearing is again postponed to next Thursday
He has been detained since his arrest for participating in the “freedom convoy” two weeks ago.
Steeve Charland was taken in person to the Ottawa courthouse on Friday for an all-French hearing to determine whether or not he could regain his freedom pending trial. The 48-year-old is charged with mischief and “advising others to commit the offense of mischief”.
Dressed all in black and with long hair tied back, the man with the salt-and-pepper bushy beard finally said only a few words from the dock, agreeing to his lawyer’s request to postpone proceedings yet again. .
It is therefore the sixth false start in two weeks for Mr. Charland’s release hearing, in particular because of confusion over his intention to represent himself or to call on a woman who is not a lawyer. . He finally used the services of an Ottawa criminal lawyer, Nicholas St-Pierre.
The latter argued Friday that the defense plan has changed, as has the presentation of the Crown’s case. On the joint recommendation of both parties, Justice of the Peace Jocelyne St-Jean has agreed to hear the release hearing next Thursday.
Steeve Charland was arrested on Saturday February 26 for his participation in the “freedom convoy”. He has been detained in Ottawa ever since. The Outaouais resident is a well-known figure in the anti-mask movement in Quebec, as well as a former leader of the identity group La Meute. He created in his network the organization of his own convoy to Ottawa at the end of January. He and his cronies erected a camp separate from the occupation that disrupted downtown Ottawa for three weeks, on private land in Gatineau that borders the Ontario border.
Tamara Lich released, but not “Pat” King
One person in the group, Keven Bilodeau, was the liaison between the “Farfadaas” and the formal organization of the “freedom convoy” led by Tamara Lich, according to details shared with the Homework by a Quebec organizer of the movement. Ms Lich was finally released on bail on Monday pending trial – also for counseling to commit mischief – after a first judge ordered her detention “for the protection and safety of the public”.
Another influencer close to the “freedom convoy” organization, Patrick “Pat” King, was unable to obtain his bail and will have to remain detained until his case is heard. He faces similar offenses to Mr Charland and Ms Lich, in addition to a charge of advising to disobey a court order and advising to obstruct police work. The judge did not believe the word of his surety, and found that Mr. King risked disobeying the law again if released.
Relatives of Mr. Charland continue to update his Facebook page, which notably promotes clothing displaying the message “ fuck you Legault”, in reference to the Premier of Quebec.