Canada's War on Dissenters: Freedom Convoy Organizer Chris Barber Faces Over a Decade in Prison (Exclusive Interview)

The trial of Chris Barber and Tamara Lich, co-organizers of the 2022 Freedom Convoy, has ignited a firestorm of controversy in Canada and beyond. The proceedings, which commenced on September 5, are being closely watched by citizens, legal experts, and international observers and have raised concerns about government overreach and the chilling effect it may have on peaceful protests.

Barber and Lich, both prominent figures in the Freedom Convoy movement, find themselves in court facing multiple charges, including mischief, intimidation, obstructing a police officer, and counseling others to commit the same offenses. Barber faces an additional charge of obstructing a highway. They could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison on the mischief charge alone if convicted.

At the heart of the debate surrounding this trial is the Canadian left-wing government using excessive legal force to silence dissenting voices. Critics argue that the charges against Barber and Lich are disproportionate and that the trial is a heavy-handed response to a peaceful protest that sought to challenge government policies deemed unjust by many.

The Freedom Convoy of 2022 was a nationwide movement that saw tens of thousands of Canadians converging in Ottawa to exercise their Charter freedoms and voice their concerns about government freedom-crushing actions. It drew support from a diverse cross-section of society, including truckers, small business owners, medical professionals, educators, and citizens whose rights were being eroded.

John Carpay, president of the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF), which is providing pro bono support to Barber, stated, “The 2022 Freedom Convoy was a significant moment in Canadian history. Brave Canadians made a remarkable winter’s journey to peacefully challenge harmful government policies and to start a conversation about the importance of rights and freedoms.”

One alarming development in the trial has been the release of approximately 4,000 pages of private cellular communications between Barber and Lich. Barber discovered this violation of his privacy while reading a CTV news article, one of the three main-stream government funded media networks in Canada, that referenced his private messages. This revelation has raised questions about the government’s handling of evidence and protecting citizens’ privacy rights.

The trial’s implications extend beyond Canadian borders, as leaders in Europe and around the world have criticized Canada’s handling of the protests and the subsequent legal actions. Some argue that the prosecution of Barber and Lich could deter citizens from exercising their democratic right to peaceful protest, as they fear being unfairly targeted and facing severe consequences.

In a July interview with Rebel News, Chris Barber discussed the reasons behind his involvement in the convoy, highlighting his concerns about the country’s direction and the erosion of freedoms. He also mentioned the challenges he faces due to his conditions, which restrict his ability to protest and communicate with fellow activists.

RAIR Interview Chris Barber

On Saturday, September 10, RAIR Foundation USA interviewed Barber at an appreciation dinner in his honor. He spoke candidly about the overwhelming support he and Lich have received not only from Canadians but from people across the world. He noted that the solidarity extended beyond Canada’s borders, emphasizing the global resonance of their cause. Barber shared, “The Canadian people, actually North American people, we get calls and messages from people across the world in support of us.”

The support for Barber and Lich during their trial in Ottawa has been conspicuous, with many individuals expressing gratitude for their unwavering stance. Barber explained, “Especially going to trial here in Ottawa, we’ve seen an overabundance of people coming out to say thank you. So we greatly appreciate everything that people are doing for us right now.”

The interview delved into the reasons behind the widespread appreciation for their actions. Barber attributed it to their resolve to challenge authority and standing up for themselves and all Canadians. He stated, “People are still very thankful for the stance we took and how we tried to stand up for ourselves and everyone else.”

Reflecting on how Canada has changed since the Freedom Convoy, Barber pointed to a significant shift in national pride. He noted that Canadians began to display their national flag with renewed pride during the convoy’s presence in Ottawa in February 2022. Barber shared his observations, “You’ve seen Canadians be proud of their flag again… people are more proud of that flag now.” He attributed this shift to the flag symbolizing freedom and unity, something that brought diverse groups of Canadians together during the protests.

When asked about the state of freedom and the potential threats, Barber referenced a famous quote by Ronald Reagan, stating, “Freedom is one generation away from being lost.” He acknowledged that while progress had been made, the battle for freedom was far from over. Barber warned against complacency, emphasizing that the government had not given up on asserting control over individuals.

In a poignant moment, Barber discussed the motives behind the government’s stringent measures and mandates, highlighting control as a primary factor. He suggested that the government’s fear-based campaign and divisive tactics had created fractures within Canadian society, even within families.

Barber’s message to Canadians was clear: “Stand strong. And if this comes upon us again, we stand even stronger, and you stand up this time; you don’t talk about it, don’t put up with it. Say no. Say no.”

In closing, Barber addressed the support they needed for their legal battles, especially the $400 million lawsuit filed against them by citizens of Ottawa. He expressed gratitude to organizations like the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF) and the Democracy Fund for their assistance. Barber urged people to support these organizations, emphasizing their vital role in the fight for freedom.

During the appreciation dinner, Chris made a grand entrance into the hall, a nod to Canadian tradition as a bagpiper led him in. As he stepped into the venue, the air was filled with nostalgic fiddle music, setting the perfect mood. In the video below, you can witness Chris expressing his heartfelt gratitude to his gracious hosts.

As the trial of Chris Barber and Tamara Lich unfolds, it remains a crucial touchstone for the delicate balance between individual liberties and government authority. The global attention it has garnered signifies a growing concern over the erosion of civil rights. The Freedom Convoy of 2022, which set the stage for this trial, exemplified the unity and determination of Canadians who sought to challenge policies they viewed as unjust. Chris Barber’s resounding message of standing strong and defending freedoms resonates beyond the courtroom, reminding citizens of their collective responsibility to protect democratic principles and the right to peaceful dissent. This trial is not just a legal matter but a litmus test for the values people hold dear in free societies.