It appears the chickens have come home to roost for organizers of "Freedom Rallies" held in three different southwestern Ontario communities.
Police in Aylmer, St. Thomas, and Chatham-Kent announced Thursday charges have either been laid or are pending against the individuals who put together recent mass gatherings against provincial COVID-19 restrictions.
A 43-year-old woman faces four charges under the Reopening Ontario Act in connection with rallies held in Aylmer on October 24 and November 7. The second rally prompted a state of emergency to be declared in the town and drew roughly 2,000 maskless people, carrying signs indicating the public safety measures violate their rights.
Two charges of hosting an outdoor gathering which exceeded the number permitted and two counts of participating in an outdoor gathering which exceeded the number permitted have been laid against the Aylmer woman. She is scheduled to appear in court on January 14.
A 32-year-old Wallaceburg woman is charged with organizing last Saturday's rally in Chatham-Kent. The demonstration held in Tecumseh Park included a march through the downtown. More than 100 people attended.
"During these difficult and challenging times those jeopardizing public safety and contradicting the law will be held accountable by the courts,” Chatham-Kent Police Chief Gary Conn said in a statement. “The law is clear and requires responsible action.”
Prior to the rally, police had warned they would have zero tolerance for those deemed to be violating COVID-19 restrictions.
In St. Thomas, charges related to a freedom rally attended by about 200 people in that city are on the way. St. Thomas police said two organizers of the November 14 demonstration have been identified and that charges are pending.
"More information will be released regarding the specific charges in the coming days," police said in a statement.
In all cases, police have not released the names of those charged.
On Wednesday, London police announced charges against three women accused of organizing a freedom rally in Victoria Park last Saturday.
A 44-year-old woman, a 36-year-old woman, and a 37-year-old woman, all of London, have been charged with participating in an outdoor gathering which exceeded the number permitted and hosting an outdoor gathering which exceeded the number permitted.
They are to appear in court on February 22.
Under the Reopening Ontario Act, outdoor gatherings are limited to 25 people, while indoor gatherings are capped at ten. Anyone convicted of hosting a gathering exceeding provincial limits faces fines ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 and up to one year in jail.