Freedom Convoy protester is now a practicing lawyer after criminal charges were withdrawn.
Ottawa— TDF can now reveal that its lawyers successfully defended a Sikh law graduate against criminal charges arising out of the Freedom Convoy.
Like many other Canadians, Mr. Singh joined the 2022 Freedom Convoy Protest in Ottawa to peacefully protest severe restrictions on the civil liberties of Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a Sikh and second-generation immigrant, he understood and valued the right to peaceful assembly and free speech guaranteed by the Charter. These principles fueled his drive to attend law school and, eventually, practice law.
When the government invoked the Emergencies Act and began the mass detention of peaceful protesters, Mr. Singh was forcefully arrested: he was taken to the ground and his turban was dislodged. He was criminally charged with mischief, breach of court order, and obstruction of police. These charges not only carried jail time but also jeopardized his aspirations to practice law by potentially complicating or preventing admission to the law society.
Fortunately, TDF was able to step in and represent Mr. Singh.
Following multiple court appearances, pre-trials and negotiations with the Crown, our lawyers secured the withdrawal of all charges in exchange for a peace bond.
Mr. Singh is now a licensed lawyer, actively practicing law.
TDF Senior litigation counsel, Adam Blake-Gallipeau, stated: "Among the many Canadians whom TDF defended against criminal charges arising from peaceful protesting during the Freedom Convoy, Mr. Singh's case stood out. The charges threatened not only his freedom but his entire professional future. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, TDF was able to support Mr. Singh and protect his career."
Mr. Singh expressed his gratitude: "Without TDF’s lawyers securing the withdrawal of these charges, my ability to practice law may have been negatively affected. Like many new Canadians, my parents sacrificed to achieve a better life for their children. And now I've overcome civil liberties-related charges at the Freedom Convoy. I think I bring a unique perspective and deep respect for fundamental legal principles to my legal practice."
Like many other Canadians, Mr. Singh joined the 2022 Freedom Convoy Protest in Ottawa to peacefully protest severe restrictions on the civil liberties of Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a Sikh and second-generation immigrant, he understood and valued the right to peaceful assembly and free speech guaranteed by the Charter. These principles fueled his drive to attend law school and, eventually, practice law.
When the government invoked the Emergencies Act and began the mass detention of peaceful protesters, Mr. Singh was forcefully arrested: he was taken to the ground and his turban was dislodged. He was criminally charged with mischief, breach of court order, and obstruction of police. These charges not only carried jail time but also jeopardized his aspirations to practice law by potentially complicating or preventing admission to the law society.
Fortunately, TDF was able to step in and represent Mr. Singh.
Following multiple court appearances, pre-trials and negotiations with the Crown, our lawyers secured the withdrawal of all charges in exchange for a peace bond.
Mr. Singh is now a licensed lawyer, actively practicing law.
TDF Senior litigation counsel, Adam Blake-Gallipeau, stated: "Among the many Canadians whom TDF defended against criminal charges arising from peaceful protesting during the Freedom Convoy, Mr. Singh's case stood out. The charges threatened not only his freedom but his entire professional future. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, TDF was able to support Mr. Singh and protect his career."
Mr. Singh expressed his gratitude: "Without TDF’s lawyers securing the withdrawal of these charges, my ability to practice law may have been negatively affected. Like many new Canadians, my parents sacrificed to achieve a better life for their children. And now I've overcome civil liberties-related charges at the Freedom Convoy. I think I bring a unique perspective and deep respect for fundamental legal principles to my legal practice."
About The Democracy Fund:
Founded in 2021, The Democracy Fund (TDF) is a Canadian charity dedicated to constitutional rights, advancing education, and relieving poverty. TDF promotes constitutional rights through litigation and public education and supports an access to justice initiative for Canadians whose civil liberties have been infringed by government lockdowns and other public policy responses to the pandemic.