Halkbank “is now a fugitive from the charges and is in contempt,” prosecutor told Judge Berman this morning.
More in a bit for @CourthouseNews.
More in a bit for @CourthouseNews.
Judge Berman began proceedings today by noting that Hakan Attila has been appointed to the head of the Istanbul stock exchange.
“I suppose that’s one way of integrating back into society someone who has been convicted of financial wrongdoing,” Berman quipped dryly.
“I suppose that’s one way of integrating back into society someone who has been convicted of financial wrongdoing,” Berman quipped dryly.
Berman said that he was "somewhat taken aback" by the King & Spalding letter claiming the firm was not authorized to accept service for Halkbank, whom they represented for "years."
(That appears to be a new detail.)
(That appears to be a new detail.)
AUSA Lockard then confirmed K&S represented Halkbank "since at least Oct. 2017.
The Turkish state-run bank does not have employees or offices in the United States, he noted, before pointing out statements from Erdogan and others attacking the case.
The Turkish state-run bank does not have employees or offices in the United States, he noted, before pointing out statements from Erdogan and others attacking the case.
Lockard also noted reports that Erdogan discussed the Halkbank case with @VP Mike Pence and @SecPompeo on Oct. 17.
"Of course , those efforts are consistent with other" reports of attempted political influence by Ankara since the case began, the prosecutor added.
"Of course , those efforts are consistent with other" reports of attempted political influence by Ankara since the case began, the prosecutor added.
@VP @SecPompeo Judge Berman instructed prosecutors to write up a draft order requesting contempt based on the points they made in court.
"It does seem appropriate based on your comments," he said.
Prosecutors want to give Halkbank a chance to cure contempt by going to court next time.
"It does seem appropriate based on your comments," he said.
Prosecutors want to give Halkbank a chance to cure contempt by going to court next time.
@VP @SecPompeo Taking note of the fact that the defense table was empty all hearing, Judge Berman said: "Of course, the record reflects that no one has appeared today on behalf of Halkbank."
Look out for my story soon @CourthouseNews.
Look out for my story soon @CourthouseNews.
@VP @SecPompeo @CourthouseNews Background on the Halkbank indictment from last week:
courthousenews.com/turkish-bank-t…
courthousenews.com/turkish-bank-t…
