Protester’s overturned acquittal could have impact on ‘Freedom Convoy’ case: expert

An Ontario court’s order to retry a “Freedom Convoy” protester could have implications for the ongoing trial of the protest’s two key organizers.

The Superior Court of Justice ordered a retrial last week for Allen Remley, a convoy participant who had been acquitted on a mischief charge.

Remley was acquitted last year by Justice Heather Perkins-McVey, who is also presiding over the criminal trial for organizers Tamara Lich and Chris Barber.

The court ordered a retrial after concluding Perkins-McVey didn’t adequately take the context of the protest into account.

University of Ottawa criminologist Michael Kempa says that means the judge will have to apply a broader standard when the time comes to rule on Lich and Barber.

In Remley’s case, Perkins-McVey found the Crown had failed to adequately prove that he was engaged in mischief during the protest.