Alberta Border Blockade Trial , Crown prosecutor Steven Johnston emphasized that the trial for Marco Van Huigenbos, Alex Van Herk, and Gerhard Janzen is solely focused on the legal charges they face, not their beliefs or right to protest. The trio has pleaded not guilty to mischief over $5,000.
Context of the Blockade
Last year, a blockade was set up at Alberta border crossing to Montana, disrupting the traffic for two weeks while the world was already facing the restrictions on the health domain due to the COVID-19 crisis. Johnston stated that the case is not about COVID-19 or the measures of handling the outbreak.
Legal Allegations
Johnston illustrated the indeed recourse, by emphasizing on the fact that obstructing a highway in order to achieve a purpose is unconstitutional. He underlined that the truck drivers, who were first reached by him at the Coutts interception point on the Highway 4, were the first who blocked the monumental highway and were by that time the leaders of the protest, which was being followed by everyone else.
Absence of Violence Allegations
The Crown submits that although one argues, by the defendants. Contains no acts of violence, road users were put in jeopardy by their actions. Johnston brought forth this point of how the Facebook accounts of the defendants were alleged. To have controlled the protest itself. As m a supposed cause to why the protests were cancelled.
Witness Testimony
Prosecution plans to call Jim Willett, the Former Mayor of Coutts and through his testimony. Provide the court with essential information about the occurrences when the blockades were enforced.
Legal Instructions to Jurors
Before the closing statements of the prosecution, Justice Keith Yamauchi gave a 40 minute instruction. To the jury, which in his opinion should result in A and B acquittal based on the evidence given in court.
Trial Duration
The trial start on 19th April and it is expected to take nearly two months. To give the parties, prosecution and defense feel through, for the jury to deliberate their verdict on the two cases. Yamouca, regarded the role of impartiality in the juror’s decision and asked the jury members to wait. Until the conclusion of all the testimonies before forming their own opinions.
The final conclusion is that the trial focuses on the performance of defendants. on the blockade and whether they are guilty or not, and what is important is their deeds, irrespective of their motives.
