High-profile Ottawa lawyer Lawrence Greenspon hired to defend 'Freedom Convoy' leader Tamara Lich
A high-profile criminal defence lawyer in Ottawa has been hired to defend one of the leading figures of the “Freedom Convoy” movement.
Lawrence Greenspon will be representing Tamara Lich, the organizer behind a $10 million GoFundMe supporting the convoy, as she seeks to change some of her bail conditions.
Lich was arrested Feb. 17, the day before a large police operation to remove the “Freedom Convoy” protesters who had occupied downtown Ottawa streets for about three weeks prior. Lich is jointly charged alongside co-accused Chris Barber with mischief, counselling mischief, intimidation, counselling intimidation, counselling obstruction of police and obstructing police.
She was released on bail March 7 with several conditions, including restrictions on her social media use.
Greenspon told CTV News Ottawa by phone that the social media restriction is too broad.
“In my humble view, it’s an overly broad and unnecessary condition on release that needs to be reviewed,” he said.
Greenspon joined Lich’s legal team Monday as part of the joint accusations between her and Barber. He said it’s common in these circumstances to have a lawyer for each accused person. Diane Magas, who had previously represented both Lich and Barber, will now focus on Barber’s case.
Greenspon has been involved in several high-profile cases in Ottawa, defending the likes of former Senator Mike Duffy and Momim Khawaja—the first person charged and convicted under the Anti-Terrorism Act. He also represented the family of Abdirahman Abdi in a civil action against the Ottawa Police Services Board following Abdi’s 2016 death.
He says Lich’s case has some compelling elements.
“Tamara Lich has no criminal record. She’s charged with criminal code crimes that involve no violence, no weapons, or anything of that nature,” he said.
The judge that granted Lich bail had commented that, prior to the “Freedom Convoy” occupation, she had led what he called a “pro-social life.”
A date for reviewing Lich’s bail conditions has yet to be announced. Greenspon said the court must first rule on whether it has the jurisdiction to review the conditions imposed during Lich’s bail review before proceeding. He expects that to happen next week, with the review—should it be jurisdictional—likely in early May.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Feels like mid-30s in parts of Canada, while other areas expecting snow
Anything is possible this week, as far as Canada's weather is concerned, with forecasts ranging from scorching heat in some parts of the country to rain and snow in others.
BREAKING Canada's inflation cools to 3-year low of 2.7%, in boost for rate cut bets
Canada's annual inflation rate slowed to a three-year low of 2.7 per cent in April, matching expectations, and core measures continued to ease, data showed on Tuesday, likely boosting chances of a June interest rate cut.
1 dead, others injured after London-Singapore flight hit severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines says
One person has died aboard a London-Singapore flight that encountered severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines said Tuesday. The plane was diverted to Bangkok, where emergency crews rushed to help injured passengers amid stormy weather.
Independent stores and grocery alternatives see sales boost amid Loblaw boycott
As the month-long boycott of Loblaw-owned stores wears on, small independent food retailers and alternative grocery options say they're seeing a boost in traffic and sales.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
How to check the Air Quality Health Index and assess your health risks
As we enter another wildfire season, Environment and Climate Change Canada is advising people to pay attention to air pollution levels and check the Air Quality Health Index – especially on smoky days.
Cardinal Lacroix cleared after investigation ordered by the Pope
The Vatican has announced that the investigation it commissioned into allegations of sexual touching against Cardinal Gerald Cyprien Lacroix did not confirm any act constituting misconduct or abuse on the part of the Vatican.
Trudeau making 'Team Canada' pitch in visit to Philadelphia
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Philadelphia today, on his first trip south of the border since his government launched a new 'Team Canada' charm offensive in the United States.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.