As I understand it, though, the point of the gag order was to prevent the witnesses from being intimidated before their testimony. The trial is over, and there will be no more testimony. So a gag order on them is no longer necessary to protect the integrity of the trial process.
I’d argue there is plenty of reason to keep it in place for witnesses until all appeals have played out…
As I understand it, though, the point of the gag order was to prevent the witnesses from being intimidated before their testimony. The trial is over, and there will be no more testimony. So a gag order on them is no longer necessary to protect the integrity of the trial process.
I see - I assumed wrongly they would need to testify again in a retrial if an appeal was won.
Wasn’t there also talk of declaring a mistrial at some point? Would they testify again in that case?
Not to mention retaliation; I would fear for my life if I was a witness and my name was made public for this case, ever.
Not only that, it sends a message to witnesses in ongoing cases that they will never be safe.
But still necessary to minimize the risk of his crazed cult following violently targeting the witnesses he continues to demonize.
Upholding that protection is ESPECIALLY important when it comes to a widely viewed event such as a presidential debate.