Thread by @BBuchman_CNS

Update on Bijan Rafiekian (aka Bijan Kian) trial here in EDVA. Prosecutors have rested their case, no more witnesses will be called. The defense will introduce their case soon and will ask for a motion to dismiss citing lack of evidence, reasonable doubt.
@CourthouseNews

Prosecutors asked Judge Trenga to hold off on a ruling until after the jury renders a verdict. He is considering that now on a short recess. This request indicates the govt is worried Trenga is leaning toward tossing the case. If he does, then govt will almost certainly appeal.

Update: Judge Trenga said there are "very substantial issues" with elements of both counts against Kian and things were "very circumstantial and speculative" but "there is evidence," he said and the court will allow the case to proceed.

There is still a chance that Trenga could throw out the case after defense makes it case. Stay tuned for developments.
@CourthouseNews

Closing arguments for Bijan Kian's case will be held on Monday since a scheduling issue (unrelated to the case) prohibited a Friday trial day.

The takeaway from today was illuminated in the fight by defense to acquit and the prosecution's attempt to beat that back. After Trenga's recess to consider the motion to dismiss, prosecutor James Gillis was emphatic that neither charge should be thrown out.

Gillis pointed to a Nov 2 meeting w/Flynn Intel Group where Ekim Alptekin rec'd a presentation he felt didn't meet his expectation of a lobbying campaign that would launch congressional hearings, DOJ investigations etc into Gulen.

"Alptekin said: 'what am I going to tell Ankara?'" Gillis recalled.
This statement, the prosecutors argue, points to proof of a conspiracy to work as a foreign agent.
"Clearly Mr. Rafiekian knows what Ankara refers to. This is the best proof of that agreement."

But the defense argued the Ankara statement wasn't indicative of anything beyond Ekim Alptekin's role in Turkey. Alptekin worked for the Turkish equivalent of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
"It was a reasonable thing to say," defense atty James Tice said.

The defense also argued that even after the government rested its case in court this week, they still failed to point out any specific communication or correspondence about a plan to file a false FARA app.