Military Veteran Who Protested Vaccine Mandates Given $4,000 Fine in Court Martial

A military court has handed down a $4,000 fine and a “severe reprimand” to James Topp, a veteran who protested against vaccine mandates and walked across Canada for the cause. Military Judge Commander Julie Deschênes delivered her ruling in New Westminster, B.C., on Nov. 16, after hearings took place over the two previous days. Mr. Topp pleaded guilty to two counts of prejudice to good order and discipline on Nov. 14, in relation to two videos he made on or around Feb. 12, 2022. At the time, protests against COVID-19 restrictions were taking place across Canada, including the Freedom Convoy in Ottawa. Mr. Topp, who held the rank of warrant officer, made the videos in Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) dress uniform and said the state should not decide what goes into his body. He recognized in his videos he was breaching regulation by speaking out in uniform and said he would take responsibility for his actions....