Calgary pastor arrested at Coutts blockade to learn bail fate today

By Delon Shurtz Southern Alberta Newspapers on March 23, 2022.

Calgary pastor Artur Pawlowski, who was arrested last month after he attended a protest at the Coutt’s border, hopes he’ll be released from custody today.

Madam Justice Gaylene Kendell is expected to make a ruling today at the conclusion of Pawlowski’s bail review, which began Tuesday in Lethbridge Court of Queen’s Bench, but had to be adjourned when the hearing went longer than expected.

Pawlowski, 48, faces criminal charges of breaching a release order to keep the peace, and committing mischief by inciting others to block the lawful use of public property. He also faces a charge under the provincial Critical Infrastructure Defence Act.

Pawlowski was arrested Feb. 8 at his home in Calgary, and had a bail hearing Feb. 9 in Lethbridge provincial court, after which he was detained by Judge Erin Olsen.

“There is a substantial likelihood that the accused will, if released from custody, commit a criminal offence or interfere with the administration of justice,” Olsen said. “The accused’s pattern of behaviour speaks volumes about his willful commission of offences and/or violations of court and public health orders.”

The charges stem from alleged incidents at the freedom blockade at Coutts in January and February. His arrest in February came only days after he attended the protest in the border town, during which he gave a speech at Smugglers Saloon and is heard in a video telling protestors to not give up the fight against government mandates.

During Tuesday’s bail review, from which evidence is subject to a publication ban, Pawlowski’s wife Marzena and his son Nathaniel agreed to be his surety and pay $10,000 and $2,000 respectively if the accused breaches any bail conditions should he be released from custody. Marzena and Nathaniel each testified Tuesday as witnesses for the defence.

Pawlowski, in custody at the Calgary Remand Centre, listened to the proceedings by telephone.

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