Donald Trump, September 15, 2023, in Washington. ANDREW HARNIK / AP
The special US prosecutor prosecuting Donald Trump asked a judge on Friday (September 15) to restrict the former president’s freedom of speech ahead of his federal trial over his attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. According to prosecutor Jack Smith, Donald Trump’s repeated criticism of the decision by the Justice Department, the people of Washington and the judge in charge of the case, Tanya Chutkan, could disrupt the smooth flow of justice.
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“So I’m running for president (…) and I’m not allowed to speak? They lick [des informations]lying, stalking and not wanting me to talk? », Donald Trump reacted quickly on his Truth Social platform.
The former president’s comments “could have a significant impact on the population from which the jury is selected.” [du procès] and at the same time influence the statements of witnesses,” according to the prosecution. Anyone reading or hearing Mr. Trump’s statements “might reasonably fear becoming the next target of the defendant’s attacks,” Jack Smith added in a court document.
Threats become real
Donald Trump’s trial in this case is scheduled to begin on March 4, 2024, one day before Super Tuesday, one of the most important dates in the Republican primaries, for which he is the heavy favorite.
Until then, Mr. Smith wants the Republican billionaire to be barred from making derogatory or intimidating statements about anyone who is or may be named in the case, and to make absolutely no statements about future witnesses.
Donald Trump also accused Judge Tanya Chutkan of “hating” him and called the prosecution a “team of thugs.” However, according to the same team, these comments turned into very real threats and “it is clear that these threats are provoked by the defendant’s constantly repeated words.”
In mid-August, a woman was arrested in Texas for making death threats against Ms. Chutkan, who has not yet responded to Mr. Smith’s request to limit Donald Trump’s remarks before his trial.
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