In a significant ruling, the Canadian Federal Court has deemed the government’s decision to freeze digital assets and cryptocurrency donations supporting protesting truckers in 2022 as unconstitutional. The court ruled against the freeze, labeling it unreasonable and in violation of the protesters’ rights.
The protests, known as the “Freedom Convoy,” were initiated by truckers opposing COVID-19 vaccination mandates for cross-border travel between Canada and the United States. The demonstrations led to major road blockades in the Canadian capital, lasting for three weeks and prompting the government to consider it an illegal occupation.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked the Public Emergency Act, an unprecedented move in the country’s history, citing the need to address illegal activities during the protests. The Act granted authorities the power to freeze financial assets associated with protest organizers.
However, a week into the freeze, reports indicated that the government had initiated the unfreezing process, unlocking funds to facilitate the protesters’ dispersal.
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) and other groups contested the government’s actions, leading to a legal challenge. Justice Richard Mosley, in his judgment, criticized the government’s use of the Emergency Act, stating that it did not meet the Act’s standards and infringed on the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
According to Mosley, the reasons provided for declaring a public order emergency did not satisfy the requirements of the Emergencies Act, and some temporary measures adopted during the protests violated constitutional rights.
Following the court’s decision, the CCLA issued a press release, asserting that the government’s actions were not legally justified and constituted a breach of freedom of expression and protection against forceful seizure. The organization commended the legal team involved and promised further disclosures after a comprehensive review of the judgment.
The government’s clampdown on protests extended to various fundraising platforms, including traditional bank accounts. GoFundMe, under government pressure, halted campaigns, freezing $9 million in funding. Protest organizers then turned to GiveSendGo, raising an additional $8 million, only to face another freeze on associated accounts.
In a resilient move, organizers shifted to Tallycoin, a crowdfunding platform on the Bitcoin blockchain, successfully raising 22 BTC, equivalent to approximately $920,000, amidst the government’s extensive efforts to curtail financial support for the protesters.