OK - and the beat goes on: now a request for release from pre-trial detention by Alec Dupuis aka "nycgas" arrested for selling MDMA and alprazolam, "resulting in the death of Peter Krasniqi on Aug 11, 2020." His father has money from a whistleblower complaint 1/x
Judge Rakoff: If Mr. Dupuis were to violate, they'd go after his parents home. So I'm not sure what the paralegal brings to the table. What about his history with drug use?
Defense lawyer: To be frank, I have not had much of an opportunity to discuss it with him
Turns out Dupuis was moving out of his condo on West 56th Street when the authorities came with a search warrant. He turned off his phone and was prepared to fly on Dec 17 to the UK, of which he is a dual citizen. But police found out, & his mother hired a lawyer
The plot thickens, with mentions of magic mushrooms and a trip to Brasilia, return 7 days later from Panama. Judge Rakoff asking many questions.
Assistant US Attorney: "I am not suggesting that Chapter 7 bankruptcy is like committing a crime. Here, the defendant's parents are separated. The father lives in Texas in a $530,000 home with a $400,000 mortgage on it. So, less than the offered bond
AUSA: We have an extradition treaty with the UK. But it has to be for a crime on the books in both countries. Here, he was involved with scienter in the death of another. It is possible we could not get him extradited.
Retained defense counsel (same one who represents Jordan Dillon, another case Inner City Press is covering innercitypress.com/cacd1sdnydillo…) says the parents ran into financial difficulties but are appropriate suretors here.
Judge Rakoff: In other cases I've called the Warden of the MDC and gotten counsel access to their clients there. Now there's every indication that the Omicron variant is significantly losing its force, particularly in the NY area.
Judge Rakoff: I've heard enough to make my ruling.
Defense counsel: Now there's a nationwide BOP lockdown, even to legal calls.
Judge Rakoff: In some respects this is a close call. I have a background as a criminal defense lawyer. The Chapter 7 gives me pause
Judge Rakoff: The extradition issue is serious. The huge penalties we have make foreign courts eager to avoid extradition to our Land of Mass Incarceration.
Defense: Mr. Dupuis can execute a waiver of execution.
Judge Rakoff: I will reduce that as a consideration
Judge Rakoff: But there is a glaring problem. He told disguised drugs. It reflects an attitude to the law and of civilized behavior; he would be a danger. He cares so little that it led to the death of another. I deny the motion (for release). Story soon.
Dupuis puts his hand over his (red) hair, glances back at the gallerty. Now he is gone with the Marshals.
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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