Coutts Was a ‘Disorganized’ Protest, Say Lawyers for Three Men Accused of Mischief at Start of Trial

The last truck blocking the southbound lane moves after a breakthrough to resolve the impasse at a protest blockade at the Canada-U.S. border in Coutts, Alta., on Feb. 2, 2022. Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press

As the criminal trial begins for three men accused of playing key roles in an Alberta blockade two years ago, defence lawyers argued that the protest was “disorganized” and no one had the power to call the shots, while the Crown said the men had control over the group.

“You couldn’t tell us who actually was responsible for the trucks coming down on the 29 (of January),” defence lawyer Michael Johnston asked former Coutts Mayor Jim Willett during cross-examination on April 4.