Trial Part 3
Once again we all gathered at the courthouse. Once again we all filed in through light security. Once again we found our seats and pretty much filled up the room. This time 2 different things happened: (1) we started on time and (2) the prosecutor showed up.
This is a new prosecutor (not that we would know since the last one never showed up). She seems pretty young and inexperienced. The word used several times to describe her is "stazh" which is roughly translated as "apprentice". To my mind this is a very good sign as it appears probable that they are assigning a very junior prosecutor to the case in an attempt to save face on a case they would very much like to distance themselves from. In other words, the more senior prosecutors have seen that it's a no-win and so they've given it to the only person in the office who can't say no...
So the judge came in, we all stood up, and then we actually had the beginning of the trial. Each "player" in the case had to identify themselves, explain who they were and why they were there. All this was taken down in longhand by the court secretary. Guy had to identify himself and his profession and formally request that his lawyer be allowed to represent him.
Then the prosecutor was asked if she had anything to say and she requested yet another delay due to the fact that she's just been assigned to the case and so was not prepared. Guy's lawyer was able to lodge an appropriate but strong protest at this request for yet another delay, but the judge still granted the request.
So, 15 minutes is better than nothing and at least the trial has a start now. Next trial date is April 7 whereupon the judge has promised that things will move forward expeditiously.
Tune in then for more details... Meanwhile thanks for your prayers!
This is a new prosecutor (not that we would know since the last one never showed up). She seems pretty young and inexperienced. The word used several times to describe her is "stazh" which is roughly translated as "apprentice". To my mind this is a very good sign as it appears probable that they are assigning a very junior prosecutor to the case in an attempt to save face on a case they would very much like to distance themselves from. In other words, the more senior prosecutors have seen that it's a no-win and so they've given it to the only person in the office who can't say no...
So the judge came in, we all stood up, and then we actually had the beginning of the trial. Each "player" in the case had to identify themselves, explain who they were and why they were there. All this was taken down in longhand by the court secretary. Guy had to identify himself and his profession and formally request that his lawyer be allowed to represent him.
Then the prosecutor was asked if she had anything to say and she requested yet another delay due to the fact that she's just been assigned to the case and so was not prepared. Guy's lawyer was able to lodge an appropriate but strong protest at this request for yet another delay, but the judge still granted the request.
So, 15 minutes is better than nothing and at least the trial has a start now. Next trial date is April 7 whereupon the judge has promised that things will move forward expeditiously.
Tune in then for more details... Meanwhile thanks for your prayers!
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