A Canadian "Freedom Convoy" chief says his "organizing days are over" following an evening in an Ottawa jail.

Chris Barber, 46, a distinguished chief and organizer of the "Freedom Convoy" protests, was arrested on Thursday alongside fellow chief Tamara Lich. Legal professional Keith Wilson advised The Globe and Mail that Barber was being charged with alleged counseling to commit mischief, obstruction, and counseling to commit obstruction.

By Friday night time, Barber had been granted bail and launched after spending an evening within the Ottawa Police cellblock, based on the Ottawa Citizen. The now-former chief was launched on the situation that he go away city inside 24 hours, return to his residence in Swift Present, Saskatoon, and by no means assist the protests ever once more verbally, on tv or on-line. His launch was secured for him by protection lawyer Diane Magas.

freedom convoy chris barber
"Freedom Convoy" chief Chris Barber has been launched from jail after agreeing to go away Ottawa and by no means assist the protests once more. Above, vans participating within the protests seen within the streets of downtown Ottawa.Dave Chan/AFP through Getty Photographs

Barber runs a trucking enterprise that employs 4 different truckers and was in a position to submit the $100,000 wanted for his bail. His enterprise operates throughout the Prairie areas of Canada and in addition in sure elements of the U.S.

He's additionally required to stay at his house till his case has made its approach by the Canadian justice system. He should verify in with Ottawa murder detective Chris Benson periodically over the cellphone and is banned from speaking with different convoy leaders, together with Lich, Daniel Bulford, and Patrick King. The latter two have been arrested on Friday.

Ought to Barber's case go to trial, based on the Ottawa Citizen, it's anticipated that the Crown Legal professional Workplace in Ottawa will search a two-year jail sentence for felony prices, together with "tormenting" the Canadian capital and inciting different protestors to interact in unlawful behaviors.

As he heads again house, Barber has been allowed to assist different truckers heading in the identical route pay for fuel, on account of points receiving crowdfunded cash.

All through the protests, Barber had been lively on TikTok underneath the account identify, @bigred19755. He has beforehand in contrast Canada's COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine mandates, two main targets of the protests, to the insurance policies of North Korea and known as them "tyranny at its most interesting."

In an announcement on Tuesday, he urged "Freedom Convoy" members to adjust to legislation enforcement ought to the scenario come up.

"We'll comply with any route of legislation enforcement," he mentioned. "We have mentioned it proper from day one: Should you're confronted by a police officer and the handcuffs come out, put your palms behind your again. Take it like a person. I've by no means been arrested by police. I've by no means had handcuffs on...If that comes, I will be the primary man to get arrested."