Canadian right-wing activist Pat King was convicted of five charges and could face up to 10 years in jail. The judge said he incited protesters to rail against COVID-19 protocols in early 2022.
One of the primary individuals involved in Canada’s trucker protests in 2022 was found guilty on Friday for his role in the obstruction.
Pat King was convicted on five counts including mischief and disobeying a court order.
The self-proclaimed “Freedom Convoy” of truckers and protesters traveled to the capital city, Ottawa, in early 2022 to express their anger at government rules intended to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked emergency powers to dislodge the protesters after three weeks.
“Mr. King was not merely engaging in political speech,” Justice Charles Hackland said. “Rather, he was inciting the protesters to continue their ongoing blockade of downtown Ottawa.”
