Convoy Organizers Denied Bail by Feds

One of the most visible organizers behind the protests against COVID-19 restrictions and the Liberal government near Parliament Hill was denied bail Tuesday.

An Ontario court judge said she believed there was a substantial likelihood Tamara Lich would commit offences if released.

Another key organizer, Patrick King, was in court for a bail hearing, where a woman who acknowledged she had only met him four weeks ago offered to be a surety, pledging half the value of her Alberta home to guarantee his bail.

The Crown argued for King's continued detention, and the court is slated to rule on the matter Friday.

In Lich's case, Justice Julie Bourgeois said the trucker convoy's effect on Ottawa was immense and she felt Lich was obstinate and disingenuous in her responses to the court during her bail hearing, which took place Saturday.

"I cannot be reassured that if I release you into the community that you will not reoffend," Bourgeois said. "Your detention is necessary for the protection and safety of the public."

Fencing remains in place around much of the district, and police cars and officers are still plentiful throughout the area, with limitations on movement in the downtown core.

Federal Emergencies Act powers remain in place following a vote in the House of Commons on Monday night to confirm the law's use. The Senate started its mandatory consideration of the provisions Tuesday morning. Additionally, numerous bank accounts belonging to protestors have been frozen.

A total of 206 accounts involving $7.8 million were affected, with Conservative MP Philip Lawrence adding that "Canadians are afraid" that even a small donation to the convoy could ruin them financially.