Coutts trial defendant shocked by murder-conspiracy charge

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LETHBRIDGE, Alta. — A protester arrested at the border blockade at Coutts, Alta., acted surprised when police told him he was being charged with conspiracy to commit murder.

Anthony Olienick also said he didn’t threaten to kill anyone.

About three hours of the video statement he gave to police after his arrest on Feb. 14, 2022, was played at his jury trial Monday.

In the video, the officer tells Olienick that he’s being charged with mischief over $5,000, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, obstruction of critical infrastructure, and conspiracy to commit murder…