Special counsel Robert Mueller asks for immunity for five potential witnesses in Paul Manafort trial

[Qutzupalotl]

Source: CNBC

....

The five individuals would either refuse to take the witness stand against Manafort, or refuse to answer questions because of their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination if they are not granted immunity and compelled to testify with that protection from prosecution, according to Mueller's filing in U.S. District Court in Alexandria, Va.

Mueller has also asked Judge T.S. Ellis to seal from public view the court motions detailing the witnesses' identities.

"The five individuals identified in the motions at issue are third parties who have not been charged in this matter, and who have not been identified publicly with the case," Mueller's team argued in a filing asking for that sealing order. "Disclosing the motions would reveal those individuals’ involvement in the investigation and the trial, thereby creating the risk of their undue harassment.'
....

"Sealing is also appropriate because the information contained in the motions could lead to reputational harm," prosecutors wrote. Mueller's team noted that if the individuals do testify at Manafort's trial, their identities would become public.


Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/07/17/mueller-asks-for-immunity-for-five-witnesses-in-manafort-case.html

[Bernardo de La Paz]

1. Could include Flynn, Gates, Papadopoulos, Dutch guy, and/or others. . . . nt

[cstanleytech]

5. Most of those people are well known though so its likely

that its people that are not in the public eye as much currently.

[csziggy]

7. No, they have been charged and identified

From the OP:

"The five individuals identified in the motions at issue are third parties who have not been charged in this matter, and who have not been identified publicly with the case," Mueller's team argued in a filing asking for that sealing order.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

14. Ah, good catch. Thanks. . . . nt

[Crutchez_CuiBono]

27. Not only a nice catch, but kind in presentation.

We all just want the truth. There's so much shit out there. I'm glad to see folks kindly helping each other along without diminishing each other. After all, no Democrat has ever asked for this. But, we have to unfold it and understand it, bc, America is literally at stake.

[Julian Englis]

29. I actually want the truth and more--at least some measure of revenge--but I 'm petty at times.

I admit that I'd like to see tRump, Manafort and the rest of tRump's most villainous enablers punished. Indeed, if collusion can be proved, I'd like to see all involve stripped of their citizenship and their worldly goods. I'd wish ill upon their souls, too, but we all know these vile people no long have souls, having sold them long ago.

But as I said, I can be petty.

[pecosbob]

11. 'the information contained in the motions could lead to reputational harm'

don't really think the people mentioned fit this description...some have already plead to other crimes and some have been sentenced...their reputations are already trashed.

[Cold War Spook]

21. I think he means killed.

I am sure Putin would allow it.

[Qutzupalotl]

2. The screws are tightening.

Mueller only “speaks” through legal actions. Doubtless the immunity is necessary on its own, but there might also be a message to Trump in this. Like, “Hey, look what we can do.”

[bucolic_frolic]

8. Like, he can't pardon them before they testify?

[forgotmylogin]

10. If they get pardoned, they have to testify.

They can't incriminate themselves if they are pardoned of a crime. Also, I think the article said the witnesses aren't being charged with anything, but their testimony might involve things that could get them in trouble.

[lagomorph777]

12. Like, he can't find out who they are in time to tamper with them.

[C_U_L8R]

3. Guess 1... Reince

[FakeNoose]

17. Priebus would be a good guess, involved with the Trump campaign early

You know who were involved even earlier on the campaign - Hope Hicks and Corey Lewandowski.

[cannabis_flower]

19. Maybe even..

Sean Spicer.

[sandensea]

4. The GOPee has so many people asking for immunity,

you'd think Mueller was giving out flu shots.

[bucolic_frolic]

6. 'undue harassment.' ........ Good Lord!

Nice people. Only the best people. Always.

[MyOwnPeace]

13. Yes!

THAT is one "quote" that should be thrown back at him / them EVERY TIME!!!!!

[marble falls]

9. Like a house o' cards. We gotta start a pool. Put me down for Friday ...

Manaford comes to an honest self appraisal and offers to talk a plea 1:30PM NYC time.

[Qutzupalotl]

15. This is shaping up to be a bumpy week for Trump

to say the least. So you might be right.

This Friday is the two year anniversary of “Russia, if you’re listening...”

[marble falls]

16. It had to come back our way. I honestley think cheetolini's finally on the way out.

[turbinetree]

18. With "all " of his other buds......................

what is turtle and "ayn rand" going to do..................nothing....................

[Qutzupalotl]

20. Further detail from twitter:

Link to tweet

The Special Counsel's Office says they aren't sure if they will call any of the witnesses so they want to file the requests for immunity under seal.

—————————

My speculation: these could be the witnesses Paulie was attempting to tamper with. Just a guess.

[Wounded Bear]

22. It's so simple it shows up on crime dramas all the time...

especially true in these big conspiracy/mob-style investigations.

If you don't flip, we'll find someone that will flip on you. He who flips first gets the best deal.

The corner that Manafort has painted himself into just got smaller.

[Pepsidog]

23. Please, please be some Republican big wigs like Mercers or better yet , Republican law makers.

[Qutzupalotl]

24. I hope not. They shouldn't get immunity.

The Mercers in particular need to be behind bars.

[Pepsidog]

28. Yes you are correct. My bad.

[laserhaas]

25. Woo Hoo

About dam time

[Sancho]

26. Hope Hicks?