Ottawa protest organizer Tamara Lich denied bail

OTTAWA-Tamara Lich, one of the organizers of the so-called Freedom Convoy," has been denied bail and will stay behind bars for at least another eight days.

Ontario Court Justice Julie Bourgeois ruled Tuesday morning that Lich poses a substantial likelihood" of re-offending and placing public safety at risk if she is released on bail. Bourgeois also concluded Lich's continued detention is necessary to preserve public confidence in the justice system.

Bourgeois noted Lich repeatedly urged convoy demonstrators to hold the line" during their occupation around Parliament Hill, and stressed the severity of the accusation against her that could result in a lengthy" prison sentence.

Lich, who was arrested on Feb. 17, is charged with counselling to commit mischief.

I am satisfied there is evidence that your actions and participation in this offending behaviour had the result of causing or contributing to the serious impact on the physical, mental and financial health and well-being of our community," Bourgeois told Lich in an Ottawa courtroom Tuesday morning.

You are certainly facing a potentially lengthy term of imprisonment."

Throughout her decision, Bourgeois also raised questions about Lich's credibility, in light of her testimony during her bail hearing on Saturday.

I found your testimony to be guarded and your attitude almost obstructive," Bourgeois said, noting Lich needed to be significantly pressed for answers" about her personal finances.

The justice questioned the reliability of Lich's proposed surety, her husband Dwayne, who told the court on Saturday that he took a private plan from Alberta to Ottawa, but would only say that a man named Joseph" had arranged the flight.

Bourgeois said this evasiveness was disturbing, secretive and mysterious."

While the justice read her decision, Lich sat behind glass in the prisoners' box, wearing a black hoodie and a medical mask. As Bourgeois spoke, Lich looked at her sidelong with her head cocked.

Upon the request of Crown Lawyer Moiz Karimjee, Bourgeois also ordered Lich not to communicate with four other convoy organizers: Chris Barber, who was released on bail last Friday; Patrick King, who was arrested Friday and is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday; BJ Dichter; and Daniel Bulford.

Lich is scheduled to appear in court again on March 2.

Alex Ballingall is an Ottawa-based reporter covering federal politics for the Star. Follow him on Twitter: @aballinga