An arrest warrant has been issued for James Bauder, a prominent figure in the 2022 Freedom Convoy, after he failed to appear in an Ottawa courtroom on August 27. Bauder’s legal team argued that his absence is not a refusal to comply but a consequence of his ongoing bid for political asylum in the United States — one they say would be forfeited if he re-entered Canada.

I’m here at the Ottawa court house for the hearing of James Bauder, being criminally charged for his participation in the 2022 Freedom Convoy. He’s taken interesting action to seek political asylum in the United States as a result pic.twitter.com/zfk773tiY8

— Tamara Ugolini 🇨🇦 (@TamaraUgo) August 27, 2025

Bauder, who co-founded Canada Unity and participated in organizing the grassroots protest against federal COVID-19 mandates, is facing multiple charges, including intimidation, harassment, and counselling to commit indictable offences. He maintains that his involvement in the peaceful protest has made him the target of political persecution in Canada.

Criminal defence lawyer Lawrence Greenspon is acting as agent to Bauder and has offered his attendance by phone or virtually, as he cannot be here in person since he's claiming political asylum from Canada

Being here would mean he would "forfeit his application for asylum," says…

— Tamara Ugolini 🇨🇦 (@TamaraUgo) August 27, 2025

Despite these claims, Justice Phillips issued the warrant, rejecting the position submitted by criminal defence lawyer Lawrence Greenspon, who appeared as Bauder’s agent.

The case is raising fresh concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and the treatment of individuals who voice dissent against government policy, and on the ground in Ottawa, reactions remain deeply divided.

“Canada is known as a democracy. It should protect all people’s right to speak,” said one.

Another remarked, “If he’s being charged just for speaking out, that’s not fair. Nobody should be forced to flee their own country for exercising their rights.”

Of course, not everyone agrees. Some recalled personal confrontations with convoy participants, citing hostility and intimidation during the 2022 protests, even though Canada’s security intelligence agency concluded that there was no “concrete plots of serious violence or mobilization to serious violence” during the 3-week-long demonstration.

Still, others pointed to an increasingly polarized public discourse. “Some people say too much and some don’t say enough, so we get one-sided discussions,” a passerby observed, showcasing a growing concern that political leanings increasingly determine one’s ability to speak freely.

The Last Freedom Trucker

Stand with James Bauder: Defend Free Speech and Political Expression

James Bauder, part of the 2022 Freedom Convoy, is facing multiple criminal charges, including mischief, obstruction, and counselling others to commit indictable offences. He maintains that these charges are politically motivated and part of a broader effort to suppress dissenting voices in Canada.

The Democracy Fund, a registered charity dedicated to protecting civil liberties and constitutional rights, is covering the legal fees for James’ lawyers.

James is also seeking asylum in the United States. On August 27, 2025, there will be a hearing to determine whether he can be forced to return to Canada while his asylum claim is pending — undermining his asylum claim.

Your contribution on this page will be sent to The Democracy Fund to directly support James’s fight for justice and the preservation of fundamental freedoms. By donating, you are standing up for the right to free expression and the principle that no one should be persecuted for their political beliefs.

Donate today to The Democracy Fund to help fund James' legal fees. 

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