Romana Didulo, known as the “Queen of Canada,” was reapprehended on Thursday, a day after she and 15 of her supporters were detained and subsequently released following a police operation at her group’s compound in rural Saskatchewan.
All 16 individuals were released earlier on Thursday without formal charges, according to the RCMP, with five being released under specific conditions. Didulo, aged 50, was re-arrested for breaching her conditions, along with 61-year-old Ricky Manz, the owner of the former elementary school in Richmound, Sask., where Didulo and her followers have resided for two years, as confirmed by the Mounties.
Didulo and Manz had been instructed not to have any contact with each other. Didulo is facing charges of non-compliance with an undertaking and intimidation of a participant in the justice system, while Manz is also facing similar allegations.
Police stated that individuals can be released on undertakings before formal charges are laid, as charges become public only after court information is signed.
In Richmound, where the group has settled, complaints have arisen from locals accusing them of harassment and planning to take control of the town. Didulo has propagated various conspiracy theories through social media, and in October 2023, her group sent threatening emails to a Richmound official.
Manz has been held in custody and is set to appear in Swift Current Provincial Court on Friday. Didulo, who was not remanded, is also scheduled for the same court appearance on the same day.
During a press conference, RCMP Insp. Ashley St. Germaine emphasized that individuals can be detained for up to 24 hours without charges being filed, and the release of an individual does not preclude future charges.
The police raided the compound following reports of an occupant possessing a firearm. They discovered 13 imitation semi-automatic handguns, ammunition, and numerous electronic devices during the operation.
