Trial begins for Farfadaas protest group leader Steeve Charland
A criminal trial expected to last about three weeks has begun in Ottawa for Steeve Charland, spokesperson for the Farfadaas protest movement, who is alleged to have committed and counselled mischief during the Freedom Convoy protest in downtown Ottawa in 2022.
Pleaded not guilty to mischief and counselling others to commit mischief
A criminal trial expected to last about three weeks has begun in Ottawa for Steeve Charland, spokesperson for the Farfadaas protest movement, who is alleged to have committed and counselled mischief during the Freedom Convoy protest in downtown Ottawa in 2022.
The resident of Grenville-sur-la-Rouge, Que., has pleaded not guilty to both charges. He is being represented by lawyer Nicholas St-Pierre.
Charland appeared in the Ontario Court of Justice in Ottawa on Monday for the first day of his trial with his wife and about 15 supporters.
Two Gatineau police officers were expected to be called to testify by assistant Crown François Dulude on Monday.
Les Farfadaas is a Quebec group that was formed to protest against public health measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The group had origins in La Meute, regarded by experts to be a far right, anti-Islam and anti-immigration organization.
