Feb. 1 aerial view of highway at Coutts. (Photo Courtesy LethbridgeNewsNOW, RCMP

By Canadian Press

Court appearances for three charged in Coutts border blockade

Dec 12, 2022 | 3:11 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Three men charged with participating in a protest blockade at the Canada-United States border crossing at Coutts, Alta. have appeared in court.

And a judge heard frustrations in getting their case to trial.

Marco Van Huigenbos, Alex Van Herk and George Janzen are charged with mischief over $5,000.

RCMP allege the men were key participants at the blockade, which began in late January and lasted almost three weeks.

The court appearance was put over to Jan. 9, as there have been delays in finalizing lawyers and getting evidence.

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READ MORE: Police presence in downtown Lethbridge prior to court appearance related to Coutts blockade

Van Huigenbos, who is a town councillor in Fort Macleod, says the case is hanging over their heads and they want it resolved.

He also questions why they’re being charged with mischief and not an offence under provincial critical infrastructure legislation.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 12, 2022.

The Canadian Press