Alberta Border Blockade Protestors Sentenced to 6.5 Years

In Alberta, two men, Anthony Olen and Chris Carber, were sentenced to six and a half years in prison for their involvement in a border blockade that took place in February 2022. The blockade was part of a larger national protest against COVID-19 mandates and restrictions. The men were initially charged with conspiring to murder RCMP officers, but were ultimately convicted of lesser charges related to mischief and possession of dangerous weapons. The court's decision comes as a reflection of the intense political climate surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the government's response, including the invocation of the Emergencies Act. Supporters of the sentenced individuals expressed discontent, alleging that the court's decision was politically motivated, while defense lawyers highlighted the disproportionate nature of the sentence compared to similar cases. They described the verdict as excessive and plan to appeal both the sentence and the weapon charges. The case has raised concerns about the implications for future protests and has sparked a broader dialogue about the balance between public safety and the right to protest.