The United States judge overseeing Donald Trump’s election interference case has stated that she will impose restrictions on the evidence that the former president can share from his trial. However, she did not grant the prosecutors’ request for a complete ban.
During a court hearing on Friday, US District Judge Tanya Chutkan addressed concerns about Trump potentially releasing evidence on social media. She informed his lawyers that the former president’s defense should take place in the courtroom and not on the internet.
Judge Chutkan also warned that statements that are open to interpretation could be seen as intimidation or harassment of potential witnesses. She emphasized her commitment to preserving the integrity of the case and stated that she would take necessary measures.
The prosecutors had sought a broad protective order to prevent the ex-president from publicly sharing any details of the government’s evidence. They argued that Trump, who frequently uses social media to criticize officials involved in the case against him, could use the information to influence witnesses.
However, Trump’s defense lawyers contended that such an order would violate his right to free speech under the First Amendment of the US Constitution.
“Mr. Trump, like every American, has a First Amendment right to free speech, but that right is not absolute. In a criminal case like this one, the defendant’s free speech is subject to the rules,” Judge Chutkan stated during the hearing, as reported by CNN.
Post from www.aljazeera.com