Photo credit: The Canadian Press.

By The Canadian Press

Alberta

Premier says jury decision in Coutts blockade case must be respected

Sep 13, 2024 | 12:03 PM

CALGARY – Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says a jury’s decision to find two men guilty for their actions at the 2022 Coutts border blockade must be respected.

Smith has expressed support and sympathy for COVID-rule protesters like Anthony and Chris Carbert.

Smith told a podcast the jury that found the men guilty of mischief and weapons possession at a trial in Lethbridge last month.

They were found not guilty of the most serious charge of conspiracy to commit murder.

She says a jury trial is sacrosanct and that people should feel confidence in the system.

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Earlier this week, Olienick and Carbert were sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison.

The Coutts blockade halted traffic at the Canada-U-S border crossing for two weeks in 2022 in a protest against COVID-19 rules and vaccine mandates.

(The Canadian Press)

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