Judge Upholds Case Against Defendant, Denies Acquittal Motion

 

Photo: (Denver, Colorado's Courtroom)

 

 By Samba Jawo reporting from the USA

 

Judge Christine Arguello rejected the defendant’s motion for acquittal on Monday, ruling that the evidence presented by U.S. prosecutors was sufficient for the case to proceed.

The defendant, Michael Sang Correa, did not present any witnesses during the court session, and both sides delivered intensive closing arguments. The case is now in the hands of the jury to determine whether Correa is guilty.

In their closing arguments, state prosecutors urged the jury to find Correa guilty on all six charges, citing testimony from victims and expert witnesses, including officials from Homeland Security, who provided evidence that Correa had committed the crimes.

Correa’s defence attorneys countered by arguing that he acted under coercion, duress, and fear, urging the jury to consider these factors during deliberations.

During the Monday proceedings, retired U.S. Homeland Security Agent Barton Garrison concluded his testimony, presenting audio recordings of Correa’s voice in which he allegedly confessed to torturing victims of the 2006 coup attempt, including the late Pierre Mendy.

The defence team moved for an acquittal, asserting that the prosecution had failed to meet the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

However, Judge Arguello rejected the defence’s motion, ruling that the case would continue.

Agent Garrison was the final witness presented by the prosecution.

The closing arguments also heavily relied on testimonies from victims, including Demba Demb, Alieu Jobe, Tamsir Jassey, Sainey Bayo, Pharing Sanyang, and Yaya Darboe, who shared their experiences during the trial at the U.S. District Court in Denver, Colorado.

A verdict is expected on Tuesday, with the jury now tasked with making its decision.

Story is edited by Ousman A. Marong