The Coutts border protest on February 1, 2022. (Photo: Alberta RCMP)

By Canadian Press

Coutts protesters express frustration during court appearance

Dec 13, 2022 | 10:03 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Three men charged with participating in a protest blockade at the Canada-United States border crossing at Coutts, Alta. have appeared in court.

A judge heard frustrations in getting their case to trial.

Marco Van Huigenbos, Alex Van Herk and George Janzen are charged with mischief over $5,000.

RCMP allege the men were key participants at the blockade, which began in late January 2022 and lasted almost three weeks.

The court appearance was put over to January 9, 2023, as there have been delays in finalizing lawyers and getting evidence.

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Van Huigenbos, who is a town councillor in Fort Macleod, says the case is hanging over their heads and they want it resolved.

He also questions why they’re being charged with mischief and not an offence under provincial critical infrastructure legislation.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 12, 2022.

The Canadian Press