Father to 2 daughters, Chris Lysak was held in pre-trial custody for almost two years over a serious charge that was later dropped as part of a plea deal, but he still has significant legal fees to pay.
An Alberta resident, Lysak was charged with conspiracy to murder RCMP officers alongside three other men at an anti-COVID mandate protest in Coutts, Alberta, an incident that became known as the "Coutts 4."
Earlier this year, both Lysak and Jerry Morin were released under a plea deal. Their conspiracy to murder charge was dropped, and Lysak pled guilty to improper storage of a firearm—a much less serious offense than plotting to kill police.
This outcome has raised significant doubts about the strength of the Crown's case against the men, especially among those who believe they are political prisoners being made an example of to deter future protests against government policies.
"Absolutely—it's a message to the rest of us to be deterred from standing up,"
said one advocate when asked if she thinks the process is the punishment.
Supporters gathered in Lethbridge for the trial of the remaining two men visited Chris Lysak's BBQ fundraising event to show their support and make donations.
"The remaining $80k that's owed from an over $300k bill—I really hope that everybody takes a moment and realizes that this man stood up for all of us,"
said Marco Van Huigenbos, former town councillor of Fort Macleod, who himself is facing sentencing that could jail him for up to 10 years over mischief for his alleged role in organizing the anti-mandate protest 2 years ago.
"This man incurred and suffered what anybody could've been forced to deal with due to an out-of-control government enforcement and judiciary—Let's help this man get back on his feet," he added.
Those who are interested in supporting Chris Lysak can do so at
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