Freedom Convoy leader Pat King was released on bail

A key figure in the Freedom Convoy protest has been released on bail after spending five months in jail, an Ottawa court decided Monday.

The decision on Pat King’s bail status came after a two-day bail review hearing last week. There is a ban on publishing the evidence and reasons for the decision.

King returned to an Ottawa courtroom after waiting months to hear if he would be released on bail after his April bail review came to an abrupt halt due to new charges against him and an apparent hacking of his lawyer’s computer. time of examination.

King’s defense attorney at the time asked for a review of the decision to keep him in custody pending his trial.

King has since hired a new lawyer to fight for his release and defend him against the mounting charges.

King, an Alberta resident, was a leading figure in the weekly Convoy protest against COVID-19 restrictions and was arrested on February 18 on four charges: mischief, counseling to commit mischief, counseling to commit the crime of disobeying a court order and counseling for obstructing the police. He faces additional charges of obstruction of justice and perjury.

On Monday, Judge Anne London-Weinstein read the terms of King’s release. They are:

• To leave Ottawa as soon as possible and no later than 24 hours.
• To reside with a guarantor under supervision until taking a flight to Edmonton.
• The Ottawa Police Service can check the guarantor’s residence if necessary.
• Living with a guarantee in Alberta.
• To work under warranty.
• No contact or communication with other Freedom Convoy leaders and stakeholders: Chris Barber, Tamara Leach, Daniel Bulford, Benjamin Dichter, James Bauder, Tyson Billings, Owen Swiderski, Tom Marrazzo, and Brian Carr. (Unless it’s through an attorney or to prepare him for his defense on criminal charges.)
• No protests or public gatherings specifically related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Freedom Convoy and the anti-government demonstration.
• No social media in any form, no posting messages or others posting on his behalf.
• To observe curfew from 10pm to 6am unless with sureties.
• King must post $25,000 cash bail to ensure his next court appearance.
• No possession of weapons and ammunition.

In June, a pastor who had been trying to visit King regularly in prison at the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Center said King was “pretty crushed.”