Coutts accused back in court

The four men charged with conspiracy to commit murder during the Coutts border blockade last year were back in court Monday. Anthony Olienick, Chris Carbert, Chris Lysak and Jerry Morin were arrested in February 2022 after police seized guns, ammunition and body armour. Olienick faces an additional charge of making or possessing an explosive device.

The four men appeared in court on Monday, each represented by their own lawyer. The trial was meant to begin that day in front of a judge and jury, but Monday and part of Tuesday were spent on procedural matters. Calgary lawyer Katherin Beyak who represents Chris Carbert, said the court should issue a publication ban on information RCMP used to apply for search warrants. These Information to Obtain documents and warrants ultimately led to the seizure of weapons and ammunition. The ban would include information already unsealed and released to the public by a previous judge.

However, Tess Layton, who represents several Canadian media outlets and The New York Times, argued there should not be a publication ban, especially since the information is already out in the public domain. Justice David Labrenz has reserved his decision.

The men could face up to life in prison, if convicted. The trial is scheduled to run until June 30.