After a judge stripped him of the right to speak publicly about the affair, Donald Trump can speak again. Judge Juan Merchan initially imposed strict restrictions on the former president during his trial in New York, where he was found guilty in late May. These restrictions prohibited Trump from commenting to prosecution witnesses and jurors outside of the courtroom, under penalty of fines. A decision which could prove interesting just two days before the debate which will pit the former president candidate against current President Joe Biden.
Free but still with some restrictions
If he regains his voice, he cannot say everything: limitations remain in force in order to protect the identity and homes of the jurors who found him guilty as well as to protect judicial personnel and the families of prosecutors and the judge. Judge Merchan and the New York State prosecutor are not protected by anonymity. Trump insulted them and they even received anonymous threats.
The latest restrictions will be lifted after sentencing, scheduled for July 11, when Trump could potentially face a prison sentence. Judge Merchan stressed the need to ensure the safety of jurors and court personnel so they can continue to serve without intimidation.
“There is ample evidence to justify continued concern for the jurors,” Justice Merchan wrote. And “until the sentence is imposed, (judicial personnel) must continue to exercise justice without feeling threatened, intimidated, harassed or even attacked,” warned the magistrate.