Hello on this gray and waterlogged morning from the DC federal courthouse, where alleged Russian agent Maria Butina is expected to appear soon for her next court date. Previously: buzzfeednews.com/article/zoetil…
Here's what happened at Maria Butina's status conference this a.m.:
- Govt says it's ready to start producing evidence — first batch is 4-6 TB (~1.5 million files). But they want a protective order because they're worried about her lawyers giving materials to the media
- Butina's lawyer said they think she should be able to get materials that were in her possession before her arrest (like her diary, notes, material on her computer) without the restrictions of a protective order. Lawyer said they'd be willing to agree not to share with the media
- Why doesn't the government want this evidence from Butina's case out there? Prosecutor told the judge they're concerned about protecting the integrity of "potential" ongoing investigations
- Prosecutor noted Butina's lawyer has gone on cable news several times to criticize the govt's evidence, which he said crossed a line (more than just maintaining her innocence.) Butina's lawyer said he's in "unusual" position of having to confront a torrent of negative coverage
- Butina's lawyer specifically said they've asked the govt for evidence to back up the allegation in a previous filing that Butina offered sex in exchange for a job. Defense has "no idea" what the govt is talking about and they don't believe it's true, her lawyer said
- Long and short of it is, judge set a deadline for two weeks from now for the govt to submit its proposed protective order to govern the exchange of evidence, and then Butina's lawyer will get a week to respond, and the judge will rule
- Butina's lawyer said they plan to ask the US district judge handling the case (who presided over today's hearing) to reconsider a magistrate judge's decision to keep Butina in custody pending trial. Also plan to move to dismiss the indictment or seek a bill of particulars
- On interesting issue that may come up: Butina testified before Senate Intel for hours. Prosecutor said they don't have the transcript. Defense says testimony could help her (they don't have the transcript either) and that Senate Intel said they'd release to govt at govt request
- Not clear if the govt will ask for it or if Senate Intel will give it to the defense. Whether the court can do anything raises complicated constitutional questions, prosecutor said today. Judge said the parties should look into it and let her know if she needs to step in
Share this Scrolly Tale with your friends.
A Scrolly Tale is a new way to read Twitter threads with a more visually immersive experience.
Discover more beautiful Scrolly Tales like this.