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Trial of Alleged Conspirators in Coutts Border Blockade Continues

The trial involving two individuals accused of conspiring to murder Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers during the Coutts border blockade is set to advance as testimony resumes on Tuesday from one of the defendants.

Chris Carbert, one of the accused, revealed in court that he transported firearms and body armor to the blockade site. However, he emphasized that the intention behind these actions was not to engage in violence unless it became necessary for self-defense, particularly in a hypothetical scenario where he might have had to escape to the mountains to evade someone attempting to administer a COVID-19 vaccine.

Carbert and his co-defendant, Anthony Olienick, are facing trial together in the Court of King’s Bench located in Lethbridge, Alberta.

Background of the Case

The charges against Carbert and Olienick stem from a series of arrests made by law enforcement in early 2022 during the blockade, where several weapons were confiscated. The blockade itself was a response to the Canadian government’s COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine mandates, resulting in significant disruptions at the Alberta-U.S. border crossing over a two-week period.

Evidence presented in court has shown that Olienick viewed the blockade as a significant stand against a government he perceived as infringing upon personal liberties.

Implications of the Blockade

The Coutts blockade became a focal point for individuals opposing pandemic-related regulations, drawing attention to broader discussions about individual rights and governmental authority. The situation escalated as protesters sought to voice their discontent, leading to confrontations with law enforcement.

As the trial progresses, further evidence and testimonies are expected to unfold, shedding more light on the intentions and actions of those involved in the blockade and the events that transpired before the law enforcement response.

Source
globalnews.ca