Two accused in Coutts convoy elect jury trials

Person attempted to make a couple of applications in Provincial Court, although she will have to wait until she can appear in Court of Queen’s Bench for those to be dealt with. She asked for the requirement that jury members be vaccinated against COVID-19 to be waived. She told court that because the protest was in opposition to COVID-19 vaccine mandates, requiring all jurors to be vaccinated could potentially add bias against her.

Members from five media outlets had previously asked that the RCMP documents outlining the reasons for executing search warrants against the protesters be released. Person is opposed to that, claiming that she has already received threats from the public.

Also in court on Monday, May 16, 2022, Janx Zaremba, 19, of Raymond, entered pleas of not guilty to one count each of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and mischief over $5,000.

A lawyer speaking on Zaremba’s behalf elected a judge and jury trial, which will be conducted separately from Person’s trial.

Trial dates have yet to be set for either of the accused.

Several others charged in relation to the Coutts border blockade also appeared in Lethbridge Provincial Court, most of whom had their matters adjourned to May 27, 2022.

by David Opinko

Two accused in Coutts convoy elect jury trials

What's Happening