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A spokesperson for the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice says charges in the case of the woman who styles herself the “Queen of Canada” were stayed after prosecutors determined there was no reasonable chance of conviction.
Romana Didulo, who has been described as both a conspiracy theorist and cult leader, was facing charges of intimidation of a justice system participant and failing to comply with an undertaking. Didulo and a group of followers spent two years living in a disused school in the community of Richmound until a raid by police in September when 16 people were taken into custody. The building was later declared unfit for habitation.
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Ricky Manz, the owner of the former school, was also charged with intimidation of a justice system participant, but that charge was stayed at the same time.
“After careful consideration, Public Prosecutions has concluded that based on the evidence gathered, there was not a reasonable likelihood of conviction,” a Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice spokesperson said in an email to 980 CJME.
“Consequently, the Crown has filed a written Stay of Proceedings on the Intimidate a Justice Participant count for both Romana Didulo and Ricky Manz.”
The spokesperson acknowledged that the decision may be “disappointing for many,” but noted upholding the legal standards that govern prosecutions is important in maintaining the rule of law.
The spokesperson added that the stay does not affect other legal matters involving Manz, which remain before the courts.
Richmound Mayor Brad Miller has said the group became a nuisance during their time in the community, setting up security cameras and bright LED lights. Miller claimed members of Didulo’s cadre harassed local residents by recording them and shouting at them, and said kids were scared to use the playground near the former school.
–with files from The Canadian Press and 980 CJME’s Abby Zieverink
