The decision on Pat King’s bail status came after a two-day bail review hearing last week. There is a publication ban on the evidence and reasons for the decision. King returned to an Ottawa courtroom after months of waiting to hear whether he would be released on bail after a bail review in April was abruptly halted by new charges against him and an apparent hacking of his lawyer’s computer during the review. . King’s defense lawyer at the time had asked for a review of the decision to keep him in custody until his trial. Since then, King has hired a new lawyer to fight for his release and defend him against a growing number of charges. King, an Alberta resident, has been a leading figure in the weeks-long protest against COVID-19 restrictions and was arrested on February 18 on four charges: mischief, counseling to commit mischief, counseling to commit the offense of disobeying a court order and providing advice on obstructing the police. He faces additional charges of obstruction of justice and perjury. On Monday, Judge Anne London-Weinstein read King’s release terms. They are:

Evacuate Ottawa as soon as possible and within 24 hours at the latest. To remain on bail under supervision until he can catch a flight to Edmonton. The Ottawa Police Service can check the guarantor’s residence if required. For guaranteed stay in Alberta. Be in guaranteed employment. Have no contact or communication with other Freedom Escort leaders and stakeholders: Chris Barber, Tamara Lich, Daniel Bulford, Benjamin Dichter, James Bauder, Tyson Billings, Owen Swiderski, Tom Marrazzo and Brian Carr. (Unless it is through counsel or for his defense preparations for his criminal charges.) No protests or public gatherings, especially related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Freedom Parade and the anti-government demonstration. No social media in any form, no posting messages or posting on behalf of others. Obey the 10pm to 6am curfew, unless warranted. King must post $25,000 cash bail to guarantee his next court appearance. No possession of weapons or ammunition.

In June, a pastor who tried to visit King regularly in prison at the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Center said King was “very broken.”