After spending four years in prison, one of the individuals convicted of causing damage and violating firearms laws in connection with the 2022 Coutts, Alta., border protest is set to be released from incarceration. Anthony Olienick was given a sentence in September 2024 for his involvement in the demonstration that obstructed traffic at the Canada-U.S. border crossing for roughly two weeks in 2022. Olienick and another individual, Chris Carbert, were found guilty after authorities discovered them in possession of firearms, ammunition, and body armor concealed in trailers positioned at the protest site. Throughout the legal proceedings, the men argued that they were taking a principled stand against perceived tyranny and unfairness. They were both handed down a 6½-year sentence while being acquitted of a charge of conspiring to harm RCMP officers by the jury. Last September, both individuals lodged appeals against their sentences, with the Alberta Court of Appeal yet to render a decision. Olienick specifically appealed his convictions related to having a weapon for a dangerous purpose and possessing a pipe bomb. However, Olienick’s lawyer shared positive news on Monday, stating that the appeal against his convictions has been presented and is currently pending a decision. In the interim, Olienick has been released until the outcome of the conviction appeal, with the possibility of a statutory release in June. Carbert was granted bail last June while awaiting the results of his appeals. Olienick had been in custody since being apprehended in February 2022. The Coutts blockade was part of a series of protests nationwide against COVID-19 regulations and vaccination mandates.