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Local sources: Civilians, including children and women, were injured in the al-Maqous neighborhood of Sweida, in Syria, as a result of ongoing clashes
Israeli media outlet: Security incident reported in the Gaza Strip
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson: No new date or venue has been set for the meeting between Araghchi and Witkoff, and no negotiations will take place until the outcome is guaranteed
Palestinian platforms: Settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque complex under the protection of the occupation police
Palestinian platforms: The IOF detonated a booby-trapped robot east of the al-Zaytoun neighborhood, south of Gaza City
Syrian Defense: We call on all parties in Sweida to cooperate with security forces and exercise restraint
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Al Mayadeen's correspondent: It has not yet been determined whether the detainees belong to ISIS or another organization
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Around 10 people of different nationalities, including Lebanese nationals, were detained
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: The Lebanese army arrested a number of people in the Matn area of Mount Lebanon with possession it has not disclosed

Canada 'Freedom Convoy' leader found guilty over trucker protest role

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 23 Nov 2024 09:05
3 Min Read

Canadian activist Pat King was convicted of five charges and could face up to 10 years in jail.

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  • Protestors show their support for the Freedom Convoy of truck drivers who are making their way to Ottawa to protest against COVID-19 vaccine mandates by the Canadian government on January 27, 2022, in Vaughan. (AP)
    Protestors show their support for the Freedom Convoy of truck drivers who are making their way to Ottawa to protest against COVID-19 vaccine mandates by the Canadian government on January 27, 2022, in Vaughan (AP)

Pat King, a key figure in the trucker protest that blocked Canada's capital and ignited a global movement against COVID mandates, was found guilty on Friday for his role in the blockade. 

The "Freedom Convoy", made up of truck drivers and protesters from across Canada, arrived in Ottawa in early 2022 to oppose government COVID-19 protocols.

After three weeks, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked emergency powers to remove the protesters. King was among those arrested and was the first protest leader to be convicted.

Two other organizers, Tamara Lich, and Chris Barber, are undergoing a separate criminal trial, with verdicts expected in 2025. King faces up to 10 years in prison after being convicted on five charges, including mischief, incitement to mischief, and defying a court order.

Acquitted of more serious charges, King smiled at a courtroom filled with supporters as the verdict was read. "Mr. King was not merely engaging in political speech," stated Justice Charles Hackland, adding, "Rather, he was inciting the protesters to continue their ongoing blockade of downtown Ottawa."

King led hundreds of big rigs and thousands of protesters to Ottawa, causing the capital to come to a standstill for over three weeks.

Trudeau faced harsh criticism from civil liberties groups and the opposition Conservatives for invoking the Emergencies Act to remove the protesters. However, a commission of inquiry deemed the move "appropriate," describing it as "a drastic action, but... not a dictatorial one."

On January 22, 2022, a mass protest in Canada's capital Ottawa, began against vaccine mandates. A month later, the Prime Minister vowed to bring that protest to an end. Trudeau frustratedly declared that "it has to stop."

Melanie Joly, Trudeau's foreign minister said that while the truckers have a "right to express themselves," police will not accept a protracted "occupation" of the city, assuring reporters the matter would be "dealt with". 

Trudeau expressed that the pandemic has "sucked for all Canadians," adding that Canadians have continued to listen to science and lean on each other, promising federal assistance to provincial governments.

That same month, the US urged Canada to use federal power to end the trucker "Freedom Convoy" protests in the nation's capital.

"Freedom Convoy" drivers, according to the judge's ruling, could have been fined $100,000, jailed for a year, and have their trucks seized and licenses revoked after Biden urged Trudeau to get even tougher.

  • Pat King
  • Justin Trudeau
  • Canada
  • COVID-19
  • freedom convoy

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