Convoy organizer Chris Barber released, ordered to leave Ottawa

Chris Barber, a key organizer of the Freedom Convoy was granted bail on Friday evening by a judge with the Ontario Court of Justice on the condition that he leave the city of Ottawa within 24 hours of his release.

Barber is facing four criminal charges. They are counselling to commit mischief, counselling to disobey a court order, counselling to obstruct police, and mischief that interferes with the use and enjoyment of property. 

The protest he helped organize has blocked Ottawa's streets for more than three weeks.

Both Barber and fellow organizer Tamara Lich were arrested Thursday by Ottawa police.

In a massive action Friday police made moves to clear the occupation of Wellington Street. By late Friday evening police had arrested around 100 people in association with the protest.

WATCH | Police arrest key convoy protest organizers: 

Police arrest key Ottawa convoy protest organizers

3 years ago

Duration 3:24

Police in Ottawa have arrested a number of key convoy protest organizers — including western separatist Tamara Lich, Saskatchewan trucker Chris Barber, former officer Daniel Bulford and Alberta resident Pat King.

Justice Julie Bourgeois permitted Barber's release with a financial bond and his wife acting as surety — meaning she is also financially responsible should he breach any of the conditions of his bail and he does not. Barber could also be charged with a breach of court orders and, if convicted, face jail.

As part of his release, he is required to leave the city of Ottawa within 24 hours of his release from custody and the province of Ontario no later than midnight Wednesday. 

On his way out of the province he must update police once a day on his location. 

Barber ordered not to support convoy in any way

Barber's bail conditions also stipulate he cannot support the Freedom Convoy in any manner, which includes verbally. He's not allowed to finance the convoy, except to assist other protesters to leave the city, though only through his own funds. 

Barber is also not permitted to contact fellow organizers Tamara Lich, Daniel Bulford, or Patrick King, except in front of lawyers as part of legal proceedings. 

Lich and Barber are named along with Benjamin Dichter in a proposed class-action lawsuit filed with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice by lawyer Paul Champ on behalf of his client, 21-year-old public servant Zexi Li.

WATCH | Woman behind class-action lawsuit brushes off haters: 

Woman behind Ottawa class-action lawsuit brushes off haters

3 years ago

Duration 2:58

Ottawa resident Zexi Li, 21, was thrust into the spotlight this month when she helped launch a class-action lawsuit against Ottawa convoy organizers, but she says she’s staying focused on the positive feedback she's received and remains cautiously optimistic as police move in to end the protest in her neighbourhood.

Barber's next court date is set for March 1. 

He was represented by lawyer Diane Magas, who is also representing fellow organizer Tamara Lich.

Lich was also expected to appear in court Friday, but her show cause hearing has been rescheduled for Saturday at 9:30 a.m.