Crown seeks 7-year sentence for Tamara Lich, 8 years for Chris Barber

Sentencing is set for July 23 as the Crown demands harsh prison terms for the non-violent Freedom Convoy organizers.

Sheila Gunn Reid
  |   July 21, 2025   |   News Analysis   |   2 Comments

 

The Canadian Press / Justin Tang

Ottawa Crown prosecutors are seeking a seven-year prison sentence for Tamara Lich and an eight-year sentence for her co-accused Chris Barber over their roles in organizing the 2022 anti-mandate Freedom Convoy—despite acknowledging the protest was peaceful and largely non-violent.

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 23, in Ottawa. The Crown alleges the protest amounted to “mass mischief” and an “attack on essential values of democracy,” arguing the demonstration’s impact justifies lengthy prison terms. But the move reeks of political retribution, particularly given the lack of criminal history of the pair. 

While the city’s downtown core was occupied for three weeks, and trucks disrupted traffic, the protest remained non-violent, with no allegations of assaults, riots, or property damage. In fact, police data from the time shows reported crime decreased during the convoy, and the only violence recorded was that of police against the largest human rights demonstration in modern Canadian history.

The Crown is asking for:

  • 7 years for Lich on a single mischief conviction

  • 7 years plus 1 additional year for Barber, who was also convicted of counselling others to disobey a court order

  • A forfeiture order for Barber’s truck, known as “Big Red”

Despite the protest’s peaceful nature, the Crown argues that the symbolism of occupying Wellington Street near Parliament Hill justifies treating the event as a serious criminal matter. Victim impact statements from residents, hotels, and businesses allege noise disturbances and revenue loss.

Defence lawyers are expected to challenge the proposed sentences as excessive and politically motivated, highlighting that both Lich and Barber consistently called for calm and lawful protest throughout the demonstration.

Rebel News will provide full coverage from the courtroom on July 23. Barber is represented by lawyers from the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms. Lich is being represented by The Democracy Fund.

Please help Tamara Lich fight back against this outrageous political prosecution!

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The Democracy Fund, a registered Canadian charity, is continuing to crowdfund Tamara Lich’s legal defence and appeal following her sentence of 18 months of house arrest for her role in the 2022 Freedom Convoy protest.

Tamara has filed her appeal challenging the conviction. She is represented by her lawyer, Lawrence Greenspon.

Tamara — a mom and grandmother from Medicine Hat, Alberta — has already spent 49 days in jail awaiting trial and has faced a legal process spanning more than three years. She now lives under significant restrictions while the appeal proceeds.

If you believe peaceful political protest should not be criminalized, please chip in today to help cover Tamara’s ongoing legal costs.

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Sheila Gunn Reid

Chief Reporter

Sheila Gunn Reid is the Alberta Bureau Chief for Rebel News and host of the weekly The Gunn Show with Sheila Gunn Reid. She's a mother of three, conservative activist, and the author of best-selling books including Stop Notley.

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  • Bruce Atchison
    commented 2025-07-21 21:38:58 -0400
    This is Third World thuggery. Using the court for revenge is what tin pot dictators do. Canada was founded on the rule of law but now the law rules the people.
  • Bernhard Jatzeck
    commented 2025-07-21 21:13:37 -0400
    The Zeroth Commandment in Canada is “thou shalt not defy Dear Leader in any way or under any circumstances”. Junior Trudeau was just as thin-skinned as PET was.