FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried's Defense Again Seeks 'Temporary Release' for Trial Preparation
On August 25, former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried's attorneys filed a new motion seeking his "temporary release" or, alternatively, requesting that he be allowed to meet with his defense team five days a week based on his right to assist in preparing his defense.
On Friday, the defense team lodged a motion asserting that Bankman-Fried's right to participate in his defense is being violated due to his incarceration in the Metropolitan Detention Center.
This filing stems from the fact that the arrangement allowing Bankman-Fried to meet with his legal team twice a week does not provide adequate means to conduct the required data review.
“As we stated in our previous letter to the Court on August 18, 2023 (ECF No. 210), and state again here, the plan is plainly inadequate and violates Mr. Bankman-Fried’s Sixth Amendment right to participate in preparing his defense and his right to receive effective assistance of counsel”
Lawyers highlighted Bankman-Fried's crucial involvement in the case.
Yet, with a laptop, he can't effectively collaborate or access prior work due to restricted cell block access.
Short laptop battery life and no power outlets hinder charging. Weak internet worked for less than half of both sessions.
The legal team also highlighted a significant concern regarding the volume of information involved.
The attorneys underlined that the cumulative discovery data currently amounts to terabytes, with millions more pages yet to be provided.
"Additionally, we object to the recent disclosure by the Government of an additional 4 million pages of discovery. It is unacceptable for the Government to inundate the defense with millions of pages less than six weeks before the trial."
Furthermore, Bankman-Fried's lawyers expressed
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