Two women implicated in anti-vax protest found guilty and fined

By Zaya Williams

After over two years, the legal proceedings against two women who faced charges related to organizing the controversial ‘Freedom Fighters’ protest against coronavirus restrictions have concluded.

Donette Simon of Tindale Road and Shenel Williams of Villa were among several individuals arrested following a demonstration against Covid-related rules on August 8, 2021, during which law enforcement used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.

The women were jointly accused of “organizing a prohibited public meeting” and participating in the event.

 The trial commenced in the Magistrate’s Court in March 2022, and after numerous delays, it finally concluded on Thursday.

Both women were found guilty of participating in the prohibited event but not guilty of organizing it.

They were each fined $1500, and the payment is required by the end of March 2024. Failure to pay may result in a four-month prison sentence.