OK - jury deliberating in trial v BNP Paribas for role in Sudan genocide - BNP said it was OK because UN was there - notes, verdict and book (98% ready). Inner City Press, to UN/AU Mission in Darfur before being banned by SG @AntonioGuterres will live tweet below
10:30 am -
Two plaintiffs' lawyer sit at their table, waiting for notes - or verdict - from the jury. Inner City Press will live tweet as things happen. For now, here's more court art courtesy to Inner City Press from Elizabeth Williams - yesterday's attendees
10:50 am
Judge Hellerstein: Here is what I propose to tell the jurors: damages should not be awarded due to sympathy. I'll hear counsel at the sidebar
OK - closings in trial v BNP Paribas for role in Sudan genocide - then verdict and book (almost ready). Inner City Press which reported on & from UN/AU Mission in Darfur before being banned by SG
@AntonioGuterres
incl from #UNGA80 will live tweet, thread below
Judge Hellerstein [before jury is brought in] I deny motions to change my jury charge, but I add this language on natural causations. That's the charge I'm giving. Objections?
Plaintiffs' lawyer: We don't thing BNP Paribas' assistance was required
Judge: Denied
Judge: Bring in the jury for the closing arguments.
Jury entering!
Judge: Mr. DiCello?
Plaintiffs' lawyer Mark DiCello: Good morning, including Mr. Abdalla [plaintiffs present] Three survivors, from different villages, from 1998 to 2008, all Black Africans
OK - back in trial v BNP Paribas for role in Sudan genocide, charge conference before closings next week. Inner City Press which reported on & from UN/AU Mission in Darfur before being banned by SG @AntonioGuterres incl from #UNGA80 will live tweet, thread below
BNP Paribas' lawyer: There must be one main perpetrator. The alleged tortious conduct all occurred in Sudan, outside the--
Judge: The objection is overruled.
BNP's lawyer: We do not think the Sudan government can be held liable for indirect agents
Judge: I'll take out the word "indirectly."
Plaintiffs' lawyer: Then just say, the Government acted
Judge: OK, I'll take "directly" out too.
BNP's lawyer: Gov't of Sudan had to have acted against these very plaintiffs, not others.
OK - back in trial v BNP Paribas for role in Sudan genocide, BNP lawyers citing Janjaweed Musa Hilal. Inner City Press which reported on and from UN/AU Mission in Darfur before being banned by SG
@AntonioGuterres
incl from #UNGA80 will live tweet, thread below
BNP's lawyer: I'm going to read you two sentences, Defense Exhibit S-i.
Judge: A report by the Department of State, human rights.
BNP's lawyer: "Darfur continued to be a scene of humanitarian abuses, the government only disarmed the Fur and non-Arab groups
BNP's lawyer (reading) Bashir suspended the constitution, abrogated free press- power went to Turabi's National Islamic Front." Your Honor, may we offer some statements from Colin Powell?
Judge Hellerstein: Let me see the excerpt... Yes
BNP's lawyer (reads Powell)
OK - back in trial v BNP Paribas for role in Sudan genocide, BNP lawyers now putting on defense case. Inner City Press which reported on and from UN/AU Mission in Darfur before being banned by SG
@AntonioGuterres incl from #UNGA80 will live tweet, thread below
BNP Paribas' first witness is its COO Phlippe Maillard.
BNP lawyer: Did BNP outside the Americas do business with Sudan?
Plaintiffs' lawyer: Objection!
Judge: Sustained.
BNP lawyer: Did BNP Suisse in Geneva do business with Sudan?
Maillard: Yes.
BNP's lawyer: What type of commodities were exported from Sudan to Europe?
Judge: Get on with it! I'll see you at sidebar.
OK - now US v Sean Combs sentencing starts. US wants 11 years, he wants time served; today he has a video & at least 4 lawyers to speak. Opposed "Mia," but she will speak. Inner City Press wrote the book and will live tweet, thread belowamazon.com/dp/B0DHP7YF19
As Combs' lawyer mill around, he has still not been brought out. A US Marshal brings out a big sheaf of papers and a red book, picks up the chair to search underneath. All clear.
9:56 am - Combs' lawyer Marc Agnifilo and Brian Steel are talking low next to the lectern. Alexandra Shapiro stands with Nicole Westmoreland. The prosecutors are seated at the front table, minus one: Maurene Comey