Coutts Protesters Could Serve Jail Time for 2022 Blockade Involvement

Calgary·NewTwo Coutts Protesters Face Jail for Part in 2022 Blockade

Two men who became the faces of a COVID-19 protest blockade at a key border crossing between Alberta and the United States nearly three years ago will learn their fates Friday.

Apology Offered in Court

Gerhard Janzen offered an apology in court for his role in COVID protest. Janzen, Marco Van Huigenbos, and Alex Van Herk were found guilty in April of mischief for their roles in the blockade that tied up cross-border traffic in Coutts, Alta., for two weeks in early 2022.

Sentencing Recommendations

The Crown has recommended a nine-month sentence for Van Huigenbos and six months for Janzen because he played a lesser leadership role in the blockade.

Regret and Reflection

Janzen addressed the court, offering an apology for the residents of Milk River and Coutts and for the stress the blockade caused. He expressed his commitment to learning from the experience and seeking more constructive ways to express his views in the future.

Emotional Response

Van Huigenbos decided not to address the court but expressed his feelings and emotions outside court. He acknowledged the possibility of facing jail time but remained steadfast in his beliefs.

Crown's Position

Johnston, the lawyer, argued that both men deserved jail time for their actions, emphasizing that politically motivated crimes should not be taken lightly.

About the Author

Bill Graveland is a Calgary-based reporter for The Canadian Press.