Jury Selection Underway in Trial Over Coutts Border Blockade

Potential jurors were interviewed on Tuesday regarding their perspectives on COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and the blockade that halted traffic at a major Canada-U.S. border crossing in Alberta.

Judge Yamauchi reminded the jurors of their duty to analyze trial evidence impartially, without bias or prejudice.

Marco Van Huigenbos, Alex Van Herk, and Gerhard Janzen face charges of mischief over $5,000 related to the blockade near Coutts that commenced in January 2022.In a Lethbridge courtroom, Justice Keith Yamauchi queried jurors about their COVID-19 experiences and their views on the Coutts blockade and the accused.

Selected as a juror, a man in his 40s stated, “I support their cause. I don’t believe in their actions.”

Meanwhile, one woman, when asked about her sentiments regarding the blockade, responded, “That’s a loaded question. Strongly, no.” She was also approved for the jury.However, a woman who expressed potential bias and a man with a strong opinion about the blockade were excused from jury duty.

Ultimately, eight men and six women were welcomed to the jury box, with two alternates who might not participate in final deliberations. Judge Yamauchi reminded the jurors of their duty to analyze trial evidence impartially, without bias or prejudice.

Before the jury selection, the accused greeted some of their supporters outside the courthouse. Inside, supporters gathered, holding protest signs with messages like “Freedom is God Given Not Government Given.”

The trial is set to commence on Wednesday with the Crown’s opening statement and is slated to run until April 19.