'Their ground zero': Trial hears about murder plot at Coutts border blockade

"They planned and prepared for what they believed would be an inevitable, violent event,” Matt Dalidowicz told jurors in his opening statement Thursday.

Dalidowicz told jurors that police were faced with a challenging situation when the blockade began that January."Police discovered a group, within the blockade, that was planning something much more sinister than merely blocking the border," Dalidowicz said, his lectern turned to face the jurors. The accused are also charged with mischief and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. Olienick faces a further charge of being in possession of a pipe bomb."Planning and preparation prove the plot to kill police officers," he said.The blockade made national headlines and polarized opinion at the time.Outside court, there were two chalk messages scrawled on the sidewalk. One said, Free the Coutts Boys. The other: Justice for Tony + Chris. Free Them Now.

Justice David Labrenz told lawyers it would be difficult to find jurors not familiar with the case and those who promise to remain impartial should be taken at their word.

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