Potential jurors have been quizzed Tuesday on their opinions about COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and the blockade that paralyzed a serious Canada-U.S. border crossing in Alberta.
Marco Van Huigenbos, Alex Van Herk and Gerhard Janzen are charged with mischief over $5,000 in reference to the blockade close to the village of Coutts that started in January 2022.
Justice Keith Yamauchi requested jurors in a Lethbridge courtroom about whether or not they have been impacted by COVID-19 and if they’d sturdy opinions in regards to the Coutts blockade or the accused.
“I assist their trigger. I don’t consider of their actions,” stated a person in his 40s, who was chosen as a juror.
One girl laughed when requested if she had sturdy emotions in regards to the blockade.
“That’s a loaded query,” she replied. “Strongly, no.”
She was additionally authorized for the jury.
One other girl was excluded when requested about her impartiality. “I’ll strive, however I could also be a little bit biased,” she stated.
A person whose grandfather died in a seniors’ house in the course of the pandemic and one other who stated he felt strongly in regards to the blockade, however didn’t specify why, have been excused.
Ultimately, the decide welcomed eight males and 6 girls to the jury field. Two are alternates, who may very well be excluded from remaining deliberations.
“You can be requested to put aside any biases to be able to analyze the proof offered at trial pretty, with out bias, prejudice, sympathy or partiality. Jurors are judges of the info,” stated Yamauchi.
“They need to method the case with an open thoughts. They have to be neutral. Put aside any prejudices and stereotypes which may have an effect on the way you determine this case.”
Earlier than jury choice, the accused met and shook arms with a few of the dozens of supporters who gathered outdoors the courthouse. Some held up protest indicators, together with one which acknowledged: Freedom is God Given Not Authorities Given.
Many then stuffed a hallway contained in the constructing and sat in an overflow courtroom to listen to a stay feed of the court docket continuing.
The trial is predicted to begin Wednesday with the Crown’s opening assertion.
It’s scheduled to run till April 19.
