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By The Canadian Press
Alberta

Sentencing hearing for two of three accused convicted in Coutts blockade underway

Jan 9, 2025 | 5:13 PM

A Crown prosecutor says two men who became the faces of a protest at a key Alberta border crossing need to do prison time to send a message that actions have consequences.

Prosecutor Steven Johnston says Marco Van Huigenbos and Gerhard Janzen put themselves front and centre at the illegal blockade.

The protest shut down the Canada-U-S border at Coutts (KOOTS’) for two weeks over pandemic measures and vaccine mandates.

Johnston says Van Huigenbos should get nine months in prison because of his higher profile at the blockade, while Janzen deserves six months.

Johnston says it’s not about freedom of speech, but rather about sending a message that you can’t break the law and not expect to be punished.

Van Huigenbos, Janzen and a third man Alex Van Herk were found guilty last year of mischief over five-thousand-dollars for their actions at the blockade.

(The Canadian Press)

by The Canadian Press