Former FTX CEO, Sam Bankman-Fried, has accepted a gag order preventing him from making comments that could interfere with his trial, although he denies the allegations made by the U.S. government.
The request for the gag order was prompted by accusations that Bankman-Fried attempted to discredit a former business partner and witness, Caroline Ellison, in an interview with the New York Times, potentially impacting a fair trial.
Bankman-Fried’s legal firm, Cohen & Gresser LLP, has agreed to the gag order, but they argue that it should apply to all parties and witnesses involved in the criminal trial, not just their client.
They emphasize that the U.S. government and other potential witnesses should also be subject to the same restrictions.
According to the attorneys, there has been a “toxic media environment” surrounding their client, especially after the collapse of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX.
They point out that the current CEO of FTX Debtor entities, John J. Ray III, has been attacking Bankman-Fried in public comments and filings related to the FTX bankruptcy proceedings.
The lawyers argue that Ray’s ad hominem attacks have left Bankman-Fried with no choice but to respond.
The law firm asserts that the U.S. government is applying a double standard by promoting articles that harm Bankman-Fried’s reputation while seeking a gag order to prevent him from defending himself.
READ MORE: 2023 Ranking: 4 Best Crypto Projects To Buy
Therefore, they believe their request for the same gag order to be applied to all involved parties and witnesses is justified.
Bankman-Fried pleaded not guilty to a series of fraud charges related to his alleged role in the bankruptcy of FTX. The trial for these charges is set to begin on October 3.
In conclusion, Sam Bankman-Fried has agreed to a gag order as requested by the U.S. government to avoid potential interference with his trial.
However, his lawyers argue that other parties and witnesses, including the current FTX CEO, should also be subject to the same order due to the negative media environment surrounding their client.
The trial for Bankman-Fried’s fraud charges is scheduled to start on October 3.
Other Stories:
Controversial Proposal Sparks Fierce Debate Among Members of Solana-Based Liquidity Network
Terraform Labs Faces Uphill Battle Amidst Allegations, New CEO Discusses Road Ahead
Report Reveals Alarming Surge in Cryptocurrency Use by ISIS Terrorists
