Freedom Convoy Organizer Told People to Leave Protest, Defence Tells Criminal Trial

Chris Barber arrives to the Ottawa Courthouse in Ottawa on Nov. 3, 2023. The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick

A lawyer for Freedom Convoy organizer Chris Barber says he encouraged protesters to leave downtown Ottawa and set up camp outside the city, following police advice.

Mr. Barber and Tamara Lich were two of the most prominent leaders of the early 2022 protests against COVID-19 public health restrictions.