In the 1970s, Canada held American Indian Movement (AIM) activist Leonard Peltier and turned him over to the U.S. Feds; Now the Coutts Four have been denied bail and have been in prison for more than 500 days without trial. The threat of domestic terrorism by right-wing groups is being invoked to justify shredding of civil liberties, much like in the U.S.
Over five hundred and fifty days ago, between the evening of February 13 and afternoon of February 14, 2022, four men were arrested for their participation in Freedom Convoy protests at the Alberta border town of Coutts.
They were charged with conspiracy to commit murder of police officers in support of a plot to overthrow the Government of Canada. Nicknamed the “Coutts Four,” they are landscaper Chris Carbert, electrician Chris Lysak, lineman Jerry Morin, and gravel truck owner Anthony “Tony” Olienick. They were taking part in protests about the vaccine mandates, and the unique requirement that truck drivers entering Canada be vaccinated.
The Coutts Four have been denied bail and have remained in custody for over 550 days. No trial date has been set. Pre-trial motions occurred between July 25 and 28 at the Lethbridge, Alberta, courthouse.
A quick online search makes it clear that even persons accused of murder are granted bail in Canada. (more...)
Does Canada have Political Prisoners?
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