Latest news with #TamaraLich
Toronto Sun
2 days ago
- Toronto Sun
WARMINGTON: Driver allegedly almost runs over cops and public but released without bail hearing
That the suspect was not taken to jail after what the world saw in wild video of Toronto incident is a headscratcher Get the latest from Joe Warmington straight to your inbox This image taken from video posted to @CrimewatchTO shows Toronto Police officers with their guns drawn as they arrest a motorist accused of causing mayhem downtown. It's not everyday that an accused who was arrested by five Toronto Police officers with their guns drawn gets to walk away from custody as long as he shows up for court in late September. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The system certainly didn't let Tamara Lich walk free like this when she was charged with mischief for the Freedom Convoy trucker's protest in Ottawa in 2022. She spent her whole summer in jail while this accused gets to enjoy his summer before even making his first court appearance. After her conviction, the Crown recently asked a judge to impose a seven-year sentence on Lich. She was not accused of violence but had the book thrown at her. What happened along King West Saturday was extremely violent and potentially lethal. However, a feather was used to deal with this accused. Toronto is fortunate there weren't many funerals here. Toronto came close to losing officers like we did when Sgt. Ryan Russell was run over by a snowplow. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. These officers showed tremendous patience, bravery and commitment. At great risk to themselves and the public, they didn't stop doing their jobs until they made their arrest. They didn't fire their guns which is another credit to their professionalism and their training. Instead, they made an arrest. Toronto Police take down in King West last night. Police with their guns drawn try to arrest the suspects before fleeing and crashing into several vehicles. The person who posted the footage says the suspects were armed. — Toronto Crime Watch (@CrimewatchTO) July 27, 2025 Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Yet, the guy charged after this wild mayhem didn't even have to spend a night in jail. Or even go to a police station to be booked. It was treated as if he was getting a speeding ticket. 'He was released on an appearance notice at the scene, and will be required to attend court in September,' say Toronto Police. That person was Mrunmay Ukey, 27, of Toronto, who 'was arrested and charged with fail to stop for police' and 'dangerous operation' of a motor vehicle and is 'scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of justice, 10 Armoury St., on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 11 a.m., in room 203.' None of the allegations against him have been tested in court. Dangerous is the right word to describe this scene. 'On Saturday, July 26, 2025, at approximately 1:19 a.m., officers responded to a person with a gun radio call in the King St W. and Portland St. area,' said a Toronto Police news release. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. #BREAKING: New video footage shows the chaotic scene in Toronto on ONTARIO - A 27-year-old man is in custody after allegedly pointing a handgun at someone before attempting to flee police in an early morning confrontation in downtown Toronto. Toronto police… — Canadian Crime Watch (@CrimeWatchCAN) July 28, 2025 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Police alleged 'the accused was driving a silver Volkswagen and pointed a firearm at the victim near the intersection' and 'officers located the vehicle and ordered the accused to turn off the vehicle and exit multiple times, but he did not comply.' A viral video shows what happened allegedly with the accused at the wheel. 'The accused reversed the vehicle and struck a scooter and another motor vehicle on the road,' police alleged, and then 'turned into an alleyway and struck another parked vehicle' before — thanks to the alley being a dead end — being arrested along with other passengers in the car. Why would a driver decide to try to get away like that? Recommended video Police say they did not locate a firearm. But this investigation continues. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. This accused allegedly almost ran over many people and hit a motor scooter and two other cars. To walk away from the scene without even being held for a minute in a jail cell is a headscratcher – especially when you consider the Ontario justice system jailed Lich for 49 days before granting bail with strict conditions. 'We are extremely fortunate we do not have an injured or killed police officer or member of the public,' said Toronto Police Association President Clayton Campbell. 'Our members were responding to a call for a person with a gun when the driver of the car drove in an absolutely ridiculous manner with total disregard for everyone's safety.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. This could have had the carnage — like the Yonge St. van attack. 'Bottom-line if a police officer gives you direction, in a dynamic situation like that, comply with the direction. Period,' said Campbell. But if you don't comply and try to get away with no apparent care who gets in the way as police allege, there should be time sitting in a jail cell and a bail hearing. If someone had been killed, that's what would have happened. It should be any different just because somebody wasn't. Toronto Police Association President Clayton Campbell. Photo by Supplied / TPA I would take away his driver's licence, car, check if he has priors, ensure he has legal status to be in Canada and deport him if he doesn't. I would take this more seriously than it has been taken by those who tie police's hands. There's no SIU probe for this guy like there sure would be if one of those cops squeezed the trigger. This suspect is being treated as if we don't want to inconvenience his night of partying. What should happen is zero tolerance, with the same intensity this country went after a harmless Christian pastor for singing the gospel. But Canada seems to like those who are accused of endangering the public's safety better than the citizens they allegedly could have harmed or almost killed. Read More MLB Toronto & GTA Golf Columnists Celebrity
National Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- National Post
Letters: Law and disorder in Hockey Canada verdicts, Freedom Convoy sentencing
Re: Gasps in court as all five players acquitted in Hockey Canada sexual assault trial — Jane Sims, July 24 Article content While Superior Justice Maria Carroccia ruled that the behaviour of the five Hockey Canada players didn't constitute sexual assault, it's very clear that what happened in that hotel room in London, Ont., in 2018 was unsavoury and unbefitting of role models. Hockey Canada needs to do a lot more to promote appropriate behaviour off the ice. In the meantime, may this legal saga be a cautionary tale to all young male hockey players — and their admirers. No one, not the players, the complainant or Hockey Canada, comes out looking good. Article content Article content Article content It's unbelievable that the government of Canada would attempt to make an example of Tamara Lich and Chris Barber by calling for seven- and eight-year sentences respectively for helping organize a peaceful convoy protest. Article content Canadian justice would be better served by the government fixing the revolving door of criminal offenders getting bail instantly, frequently, and being sentenced lightly. Article content The heavy-handed prosecution of Lich and Barber is obviously meant to chill any future protest of government policy that citizens disagree with. This stands in direct contrast with a government that proudly proclaims the right to peaceful protest, such as when anti-Israel groups disrupt traffic, intimidate Christmas shoppers in a mall, or menacingly appear in a Jewish neighbourhood. Article content Article content Article content Tamara Lich and Chris Barber and other honest, hard-working Canadians gave up their time and their work and drove thousands of miles, at their own expense, to reach out to their government, in a peaceful manner, to try to fix a problem that was preventing them from bringing needed products to Canadians. Article content They camped outside the Parliament buildings for one purpose only: to be heard, to exercise their Canadian right to reach out to their government for help, and they brought their children to witness democracy in action. Article content Except, they weren't heard. The prime minister dismissed them cavalierly and refused to listen to their concerns, or send anyone else to listen and address them. Had he done so, the protest would have been over, and everyone could have gone home, happy to have had their concerns addressed. It only droned on for three weeks because the government continued in its refusal to give them a hearing. Article content If anybody is to be sentenced for mischief, it should be our former PM, Justin Trudeau.
Wall Street Journal
5 days ago
- Politics
- Wall Street Journal
The Crown Versus the Truckers
Remember the Canadian 'Freedom Convoy' of truckers? Canada isn't done overreacting. In early 2022 the disruptive protest of vaccine mandates sent the Trudeau government into a panic, unconstitutionally invoking emergency powers and freezing protesters' bank accounts. Now Crown prosecutors want protest leaders in prison for the better part of a decade. In April Tamara Lich and Chris Barber were convicted of mischief for their roles in the protests that police inexcusably allowed to block downtown Ottawa streets for three weeks. Prosecutors are seeking seven-year prison terms, plus an eighth year for Mr. Barber, who was also found guilty of counseling others to disobey a court order regarding the honking of horns. Both were found not guilty of intimidation and several other charges thrown at them over the peaceful but noisy protest. In Canada seven-year sentences are more typically given for manslaughter, sexual assault and drug trafficking, according to Lawrence Greenspon, the defense attorney for Ms. Lich. 'In 45 years,' he told us, 'I don't remember a case in which the defense was looking for a discharge and the Crown was looking for seven to eight years. We are miles apart.' Unless, that is, one counts the related case of Pat King, another Freedom Convoy leader, for whom prosecutors sought 10 years for mischief. The judge in that case more prudently decided on three months of house arrest, plus time served.
Toronto Sun
6 days ago
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Sentencing for 'Freedom Convoy' leaders Lich, Barber scheduled for Oct. 7
Published Jul 24, 2025 • 3 minute read Freedom Convoy organizers Tamara Lich and Chris Barber wait for the Public Order Emergency Commission to begin, Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022 in Ottawa. Photo by Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, two leaders of the 'Freedom Convoy' protest, are scheduled to be sentenced for mischief on Oct. 7 in an Ottawa courtroom. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account In addition to lengthy prison sentences, the Crown wants to seize Barber's truck, which was used in the protest. A forfeiture hearing on that matter is scheduled for Sept. 12. Ontario Court Justice Heather Perkins-McVey said Thursday she wants to rule on the mischief sentence and truck forfeiture at the same time so that she does not deliver 'piecemeal' decisions. Lich and Barber were both found guilty of mischief in April for their roles in the convoy protest, which saw activists fill much of downtown Ottawa for three weeks beginning in late January 2022 to protest vaccine mandates and other pandemic measures. The Crown is seeking a prison sentence of seven years for Lich and eight years for Barber, who was also found guilty of counselling others to disobey a court order. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The lawyers for both Lich and Barber are seeking absolute discharges for their clients, which would mean neither receives a criminal record. On Thursday, Lich's lawyer Lawrence Greenspon told the court that Lich has already spent 49 days in jail and has been under strict bail conditions for the last three-and-a-half years. Greenspon argued that his client and Barber took 'unprecedented' steps by working with police and city officials throughout the protest to limit the protest's impact. 'This is an individual who came to this city with the best of intentions, as recognized by the judge. She has been under strict bail conditions for three-and-a-half years. She spent 49 days in jail for the offence of mischief,' Greenspon said during the hearing's lunch break. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'And if one looks at the positive impact that she's had on the lives of many Canadians and the community service that she has continued to do, there's absolutely no reason for her to not receive an absolute discharge.' Greenspon read a brief statement on Lich's behalf that simply said 'freedom is not free.' Accused are given a chance to address the court during sentencing submissions. Barber's lawyer Diane Magas said Wednesday that she is seeking an absolute discharge for her client because he has been on bail for the last three-and-a-half years without incident. Greenspon became emotional at times while reading from dozens of support letters submitted on behalf of his client. He read out messages from people who said the convoy protest gave them hope after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health measures they saw as government overreach. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Tamara Lich, Chris Barber stood up for what they believed in and what many, many people — thousands of people across the country were not capable of standing up (for). And those people were inspired,' he said. Crown prosecutor Siobhain Wetscher said during her sentencing submissions Wednesday that she is seeking stiff sentences for Lich and Barber because of the broad community harm caused by the three-week 2022 protest in Ottawa's downtown core. She said that she is seeking long sentences not because of Lich and Barber's political beliefs but because of their actions during the protest. Wetscher said that while Lich and Barber may have come to Ottawa with noble intentions, they continued to encourage people to take part in the protests even when it became impossible for them to ignore the effect it was having on downtown residents and businesses. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Greenspon said Thursday that it's 'facile and inaccurate' to say the Crown's sentencing proposal sentence is not motivated by his client's politics. He said Lich continually called for protesters to remain peaceful and can't be held responsible for the actions of individuals at the demonstration. Wetscher replied that while some people are fans of the convoy protest, it does not change the fact that it caused harm to people living and working in downtown Ottawa. The defence raised issues with victim and community impact statements submitted by Wetscher. One of the statements came from fellow 'Freedom Convoy' organizer Pat King's case and others were sworn affidavits derived from a separate $300 million class action lawsuit filed against convoy organizers by downtown Ottawa residents. Wetscher said that the statements are meant to capture the broad scope of the convoy's impact. Read More Sports Canada Editorials World Toronto & GTA
National Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- National Post
Sentencing hearing continues for Freedom Convoy leaders Lich, Barber
The sentencing hearing for Freedom Convoy leaders Tamara Lich and Chris Barber continues in Ottawa today, months after the two were found guilty of mischief. Article content Lich's lawyer Lawrence Greenspon is expected to deliver sentencing submissions during this morning's hearing. Article content Article content The Crown is seeking a prison sentence of seven years for Lich and eight years for Barber, who was also found guilty of counselling others to disobey a court order. Article content Article content Article content Barber's lawyer Diane Magas said she wants an absolute discharge for her client because he has been on bail for the last three and a half years without incident. Article content Lich and Barber were both found guilty of mischief in April for their key roles in the convoy protest, which saw activists fill much of downtown Ottawa for three weeks beginning in late January 2022 to protest vaccine mandates and other pandemic measures. Article content
