In a dramatic turn of events, Chris Barber, the organizer of the controversial convoy protest, has officially requested a stay of proceedings just two weeks after he and fellow protest leader Tamara Lich were found guilty of mischief following the 2022 mass protests in Ottawa.

In a statement from the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, the organization representing Barber, it was revealed that he is appealing for the case to be paused on the grounds that he consulted legal authorities—including lawyers, police, and even a Superior Court Judge—regarding the protest's legality.

This move comes hot on the heels of a shocking announcement from Crown prosecutors, who are seeking a hefty two-year prison sentence for Barber. If his application for a stay is granted, it could potentially spare him from incarceration.

Barber and Lich were pivotal figures in the convoy protests that gripped the nation, as they led a massive demonstration of vehicles and thousands of supporters occupying downtown Ottawa in a bold stand against COVID-19 public health mandates.

The court's guilty verdict revealed a crucial finding: the judge determined that Barber actively encouraged participants to join or remain in the protest, fully aware of the significant disruptions it was causing to local residents and businesses.

As Barber fights to avoid jail time, the ripple effects of this high-profile case continue to spark discussions about civil liberties, protest rights, and the responsibilities of activists in a democratic society.