The selection of alternate members of the jury continues on Friday. The judge hopes for opening statements already on Monday next week.
A former president of the United States Donald Trump’s the required 12 jurors for the criminal trial have been selected.
The rest of the jurors could be selected after a short delay, when the two previously selected jurors had first been released by the judge.
One of the jurors was forced to resign after Fox News revealed information about him that could have revealed his identity.
Later, one of the members already appointed to the jury had to resign, as his answers to the court were considered unreliable.
The defense lawyers and the prosecutor have to choose six more alternate members for the jury. During Thursday’s session, there was time to elect one deputy member. Judge Juan Merchan said the rest of the alternates will be chosen on Friday local time.
Judge Merchan said he was hopeful that opening statements in the trial would be held on Monday next week.
Trump is the first US president to face criminal charges in court. Trump is accused of accounting crimes related to the 2016 presidential election under the adult entertainment actor to Stormy Daniels that is, by real name to Stephanie Clifford to the so-called prank money paid. Trump has denied the charges against him.
If convicted, Trump could face years in prison, but experts say a fine is more likely.
Trump was warned about juror intimidation
Judge Merchan had made it clear that he did not approve of Trump’s characteristic grandstanding in court. Merchan warned Trump earlier this week when the former president mumbled something to jury candidates.
– I do not accept the intimidation of jurors in this courtroom, Merchan said.
At the end of March, Merchan decided to limit Trump’s right to comment on the trial. According to the so-called gag order, Trump is not allowed to publicly criticize, among other things, potential witnesses, prosecutors, legal personnel or potential jurors.
Merchan scheduled a hearing next week on whether Trump should already be considered in contempt of court for violating the gag order.
Trump has, among other things, slandered prosecutors and court staff on social media.
The judge has ordered Trump to be present at all sessions of the trial. The trial is expected to last 6–8 weeks.
Sources: Reuters, AFP