OTTAWA: The Justice Centre today expressed relief at the decision of Ontario Superior Court Justice Hon. John M. Johnston to release Tamara Lich from jail, where she has been detained since February 17.

“The February 22 decision of Justice Bourgeois to keep Tamara Lich in prison was highly unusual, considering that she has no criminal record and was not charged with a violent offence. People accused of drug trafficking, illegal firearms possession and violent offences are routinely granted freedom prior to trial,” states lawyer John Carpay, president of the Justice Centre.

Since early February, the Justice Centre has provided legal advice and representation to truckers and others who peacefully exercised their Charter freedoms of expression, association and assembly in Ottawa. The Justice Centre also set up a network of criminal defence counsel to advise and represent those charged with offences.