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Lethbridge Police shown outside of Lethbridge City Hall as police monitor roadways in downtown Lethbridge on Friday, November 4, 2022 prior to a scheduled court appearance by three people charged in connection to the Coutts border blockade earlier this year. (Photo: LNN)

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

Nov 4, 2022 | 8:41 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – There is a large police presence in downtown Lethbridge today, as the Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) anticipates a potential protest near the Lethbridge Courthouse.

Three people charged in connection to the Coutts border blockade in February 2022 are scheduled to make their next court appearance, and police are preparing for a potential influx of demonstrators.

Alex Van Herk, 53, George Janzen, 43, and Fort Macleod town councillor Marco Van Huigenbos, 32, are expected to appear on charges of mischief over $5,000 in relation to the “Freedom Convoy” protest earlier this year.

The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) is actively monitoring the situation, and police advise people to avoid the area around the courthouse today.

The LPS says all of the roadways and intersections are currently open in the downtown core, but motorists and pedestrians are advised to follow police direction in the area.

We will provide updates on this developing situation as more information becomes available.

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