The Crown has found three men guilty of mischief for their alleged roles in leading and coordinating the COVID-19 protest blockade at Coutts, Alta. in 2022.
After three hours of deliberation, jurors convicted Alex Van Herk, Marco Van Huigenbos, and Gerhard (George) Janzen of one count each of mischief over $5,000.
Supporters of the trio gasped in surprise when the verdict was announced in a packed courtroom.
The three were charged for their involvement in a blockade that disrupted cross-border traffic between Canada and the United States at Coutts for two weeks in early 2022, protesting COVID-19 rules and restrictions.
During the trial at the Court of King’s Bench, the Crown presented witnesses, including RCMP officers, who testified that the three were the face and leaders of the protest.
The defence did not present any evidence but argued that there was no clear leader of the protest and that the blockade consisted of demonstrators with varied and sometimes conflicting views and actions.
