Pastor Artur Pawlowski goes to trial for Coutts border blockade sermon
A pastor is on trial in Lethbridge for his part in the Coutts border blockade last year.
Artur Pawlowski is charged with breaching a release order and mischief for inciting people at the border crossing, where truckers gathered to block a highway.
Outside the courthouse Thursday, about 300 people shouted their support for Pawlowski.
"He has been an amazing leader for us, inspiring all of us," said Bob Blayone.
The pastor and activist is on trial for mischief over $5,000 and contravention of the Critical Infrastructure Defence Act after he gave a sermon during the Coutts border blockade in February 2022.
"They have waged a war against our way of life, against freedoms that were given to us by our god," Pawlowski said.
From Jan. 28 to Feb. 14, 2022, hundreds of trucks, semis and farm equipment blocked Highway 4 to protest COVID-19 restrictions.
The highway and Coutts border crossing were closed, or only partially open, during that time.
The protest is estimated to have cost the Alberta economy $220 million.
As part of its evidence, the Crown submitted a video taken of Pawlowski at the Smuggler's Inn in Coutts on Feb. 3, 2022.
According to the agreed statement of facts, Pawlowski travelled to Coutts that day and addressed some of those involved in the blockade.
He told them to not lose their momentum, adding they had the power and to not give it away.
Pawlowski was arrested at his home in Calgary on Feb. 8, 2022.
He maintains his innocence, saying he only encouraged a peaceful protest.
During closing arguments, Crown prosecutor Steven Johnston said this trial isn't about political speech and it's illegal to incite or encourage someone to commit a crime.
Johnston said Pawlowski's actions were premeditated.
"He came down to give a speech to encourage them to keep going. He clearly knows what he's doing is at a risk of criminality," Johnston said.
Pawlowski's defence team did not call any evidence, stating in their closing arguments Pawlowski did not interfere with the highway and was there to deliver information.
"His speech was legally justified and therefore constitutionally protected," said lawyer Sarah Miller.
Pawlowski said this is the trial of the century but he, himself, is not on trial.
"Our country, our home and our freedom is on trial," he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
U.S. vetoes widely supported resolution backing full UN membership for Palestine
The United States vetoed a widely backed UN resolution Thursday that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for Palestine, a goal the Palestinians have long sought and Israel has worked to prevent.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.