Freedom Convoy organizer Tamara Lich has been denied bail after appearing in an Ottawa court on July 8. She will remain in custody to await trial on allegations she breached bail terms set previously. Her next court date is scheduled for July 14.
Lich’s Defence lawyer Lawrence Greenspon said she is “understandably disappointed” and that she wishes to regain her freedom as soon as possible.
The hearing was held after the Crown alleged Lich had breached her bail conditions when she attended a June 16 to receive the 2022 George Jonas Freedom Award from the JCCF in Toronto, Canada, at which she interacted with fellow convoy organizer Tom Marrazo.
During Lich’s previous hearing on July 5, Crown prosecutor Moiz Karimjee argued that she had breached her bail conditions, presenting as evidence a photograph of Lich and Marazzo appearing together at the ceremony in Toronto where Lich was presented with the 2022 George Jonas Freedom Award. A video recording was also presented in court, which shows Lich approaching Marazzo and the two interacting.
At that hearing, Greenspon pointed out that a brief congratulatory exchange after winning an award wouldn’t lead to illegal activity and isn’t a breach of bail conditions. The court also heard testimony that lawyers who were present at the event approved the picture taken of Lich and Marazzo. Greenspon said Lich’s bail terms specified that there should be no communication with convoy organizers except in the presence of counsel.
However, on July 8, Justice of the Peace Paul Harris said he was siding with the Crown, saying that Lich chose to sit at a table with Marrazo and that it is “absolutely ridiculous” for her to believe she could justify interacting with Marazzo by having her lawyers in the room.