The Big Story

What does the convoy verdict mean for our country?

Nov 29, 2024

Dr. Carmen Celestini, a lecturer at the University of Waterloo who specializes in extremism and conspiracy theories, dives into the implications of Pat King's conviction from the 2022 convoy protests. She discusses how this verdict could influence the legal battles of other organizers and the trajectory of far-right movements in Canada. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of political expression versus extremism, and how societal changes, including potential shifts under a new U.S. administration, may amplify these dynamics.

14:38

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Episode guests

Dr. Carmen Celestini

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Quick takeaways

Pat King's conviction illustrates the significant role of social media in legal proceedings against protest organizers, impacting future cases.

The ongoing challenges of far-right extremism in Canada highlight the need for vigilance in monitoring online discourse and its societal implications.

Deep dives

Pat King's Conviction and Its Implications

Pat King was found guilty of several charges related to his leadership role in the convoy protest that disrupted the capital for weeks, including mischief and obstructing police. His social media activity played a significant role in the evidence against him, illustrating how online communications can be utilized in legal proceedings. Despite being found not guilty of three charges, the weight of the ruling indicates the court's recognition of King's actions as pivotal in instigating unlawful behavior during the protest. The case raises questions about the fates of other convoy organizers, suggesting that the outcomes may vary significantly due to the differing nature of their online engagement.

Intro

2min

Legal Rulings and Far-Right Dynamics

7min

Navigating the Line Between Political Expression and Extremism

2min

The Far-Right Landscape: Trump and Canada

4min

Examining the Aftermath of Convoy Protests and Alt-Right Future

2min

It's been one week since Pat King, one of the key organizers of the convoy protest, was found guilty of 5 of the 9 charges against him.

The verdict came as we continue to wait on rulings for two other leaders of the demonstration that crippled the capital in 2022.

So what will this first verdict mean for the other cases, and where is the alt-right movement heading in Canada amid these proceedings and a change of administration in the White House?

Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Dr. Carmen Celestini with the University of Waterloo, who researches extremism, conspiracy theories, and politics in North America.

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