A large crowd gathered outside of the Lethbridge Courthouse on November 4, 2022, in support of three people charged in connection to events at the Coutts border blockade. (Image: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Hundreds gather to support ‘Freedom Convoy’ protesters charged with mischief

Nov 4, 2022 | 12:55 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A large crowd formed outside of the Lethbridge Courthouse on Friday, November 4, 2022, showing their support for three people charged in connection to alleged events at the Coutts border blockade in February 2022.

The rally was held to show support for Marco Van Huigenbos, 32, of Fort Macleod; Alex Van Herk, 53, of Fort Macleod; and Gerhard (George) Janzen, 43, of Taber. They are each charged with one count of mischief over $5,000.

Benita Pedersen helped with the rally and says she was “blown away” by how many people showed up and the level of enthusiasm they displayed.

“I am so happy with this turnout, just amazing. An amazing show of support for Alex, Marco, and George,” says Pedersen. “It just warms my heart to see all of these people, and what warms my heart even more is how the people came with a positive attitude of peace and love.”

Members of the Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) attended the rally to ensure everyone there remained safe.

Week-in-review: Property taxes, training doctors and changes to WestJet service

May 18, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: May 17, 2024

May 17, 2024

Week-in-review: A spring storm, Whoop-Up Days entertainment and housing for seniors

May 11, 2024

Officers counted approximately 500 people at the event.

LPS says there were no major issues to report.

“With the exception of a few parking challenges as a result of the influx of people and vehicles, the gathering was peaceful and no police action was required,” reads a media release from LPS.

Peter Van Liere also spoke at the rally, saying that when COVID-19 restrictions were first enacted in March 2020, he felt like he was alone, but the freedom convoy protests restored his faith that things would get better.

Following their appearance in Lethbridge Provincial Court, the three men accused made brief remarks to those in attendance at the rally.

Van Herk thanked everyone who came out to show their support, and said he hopes the court proceedings will be over quickly.

“I think this thing needs to end as soon as possible,” says Van Herk.

Chad Williamson, the lawyer representing Janzen, provided an update on the courtroom proceedings.

He said that although today’s appearance in Lethbridge Provincial Court was brief, it was an important one.

Williamson explained that lawyers for both the crown and defense have decided to proceed by indictment, which gives them the right to be tried by a judge and jury.

“We believe that 12 randomly-chosen representative jurors reflects the common-sense, the values, and the conscious of this community and is very important in this case,” said Williamson. “Once disclosure has been properly received, we’ll proceed to trial by jury immediately. There will be no deals and no concessions of any kind.”

The next court appearance for Van Huigenbos, Van Herk, and Janzen is scheduled for December 12, 2022.

Hundreds of people attended a rally outside of the Lethbridge Courthouse on November 4, 2022, in support of three people charged in connection to alleged events at the Coutts border blockade. (Image: Lethbridge News Now)

Read more background on this story:

Police presence in downtown Lethbridge prior to court appearance related to Coutts blockade

‘Freedom Convoy’ demonstrators gather at Lethbridge Courthouse

More charges laid in connection with Coutts border blockade