Tamara Lich, a leading figure in Canada’s 2022 Freedom Convoy, has been convicted of “mischief” for her role in organizing the peaceful protest against COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
Fellow convoy leader Chris Barber was also found guilty of the same charge and for encouraging truckers to ignore a court injunction. Both were acquitted of more serious charges, including intimidation and obstruction of police.
The Freedom Convoy brought tens of thousands of Canadians and roughly 5,000 trucks to Ottawa in early 2022, with support from many Americans. Protesters opposed vaccine mandates and stood up for personal freedoms. The Canadian government responded with aggressive police action, arrests, and even freezing bank accounts of peaceful demonstrators.
Lich, a former musician with no political aspirations, said she simply couldn’t stay silent while Canadians were losing their rights. For that, she spent months in jail. Her trial dragged on for years, costing up to $1 million in legal fees, much of which was raised through public support. Critics argue the vaguely defined “mischief” charge was politically motivated and used to punish dissent.
Ontario Court Justice Heather Perkin-McVey ruled that Lich and Barber encouraged the protest, which the Crown claims disrupted local businesses. Yet Ottawa’s then-mayor had ordered those businesses to shut down, contributing to the disruption.
On April 5, 2025, just days after the verdict, Lich spoke at an event hosted by the Ontario Landowners Association. Introduced by supporters and prayed for by a local pastor, Lich remained defiant and optimistic. She thanked Canadians for standing with her and urged them to keep fighting for freedom.
Lich also addressed her trial and the broader government crackdown, calling for accountability and justice. She continues her advocacy through her organization, *Healing Together*, which supports individuals harmed by vaccine mandates.
Despite the conviction, Lich and Barber remain symbols of resistance against authoritarianism. They were honored with awards from the Landowners Association for their courage. Lich promised to deliver Barber’s award herself, as he was unable to attend due to work.
In a time when free speech and peaceful protest are under threat, Tamara Lich stands as a proud Canadian unwilling to be silenced.
Source: RAID Foundation