An Ontario judge has ruled that "Freedom Convoy" organizer Pat King will stand trial in Ottawa, dismissing his second request to the move the proceedings out of town. Freedom Convoy organizer Pat King arrives at the the Public Order Emergency Commission, in Ottawa, Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
OTTAWA – An Ontario judge has ruled that “Freedom Convoy” organizer Pat King will stand trial in Ottawa, dismissing his second request to the move the proceedings out of town.
King’s lawyer argued that King is so notorious, it would not be possible for him to get a fair trial in the capital.
King was among the original group of organizers who brought rig rigs, other vehicles and huge crowds of protesters to Ottawa to demand an end to COVID-19 mask and vaccine mandates – and for some, to seek the overthrow of the Liberal government.
Several people charged during the demonstration have been denied similar requests to be tried outside Ottawa, including convoy organizer James Bauder and former Ontario MPP Randy Hillier.
Justice Charles Hackland says any issues of bias can be dealt with during jury selection.
King’s trial is scheduled to begin at the end of November.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 5, 2023.
