Lewis Libby--Vice President Cheney's former chief of staff--was found guilty today on four of five counts: obstruction of justice, false statements to the FBI regarding a conversation with NBC's Tim Russert, perjury before the grand jury regarding the Russert conversation, and perjury before the grand jury regarding a conversation with former Time magazine reporter Matthew Cooper.
Libby was found not guilty of making false statements to the FBI regarding a conversation with Cooper.
Reports on the testimony given at trial indicate that next to Libby's name, that of his former boss, Mr. Cheney, was heard most often. No surprise there, as Libby evidently has chosen to throw himself on his sword in an effort to insulate his former boss. As I indicated more than a year ago, all roads seemed to lead to an "undisclosed location," and that hasn't changed.
Libby's lawyer, Ted Wells, announced that he will move for a new trial, and if that is denied will appeal, and professed his belief that Libby ultimately will be vindicated and shown to be innocent.
Comments by jurors after the verdict was announced indicated that the jurors placed much weight on the alleged Russert conversation. At least one juror emphasized that the jurors felt sympathy for Libby, and wondered why he alone, and not others such as Karl Rove, were being charged with crimes.
A good question.
Showing posts with label Plame-gate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Plame-gate. Show all posts
March 6, 2007
February 1, 2007
January 31, 2007
Six and counting ...
"Scooter" Libby is now 0-6.
In her testimony yesterday, Judith Miller was the sixth witness to testify that Libby discussed Valerie Plame's CIA status before the date given by Libby to the FBI and a grand jury. As noted in this Times article, Libby told the FBI and a grand jury that he first learned of the Plame-CIA connection on July 10, 2003, from NBC Washington Bureau Chief Tim Russert.
In her testimony yesterday, Judith Miller was the sixth witness to testify that Libby discussed Valerie Plame's CIA status before the date given by Libby to the FBI and a grand jury. As noted in this Times article, Libby told the FBI and a grand jury that he first learned of the Plame-CIA connection on July 10, 2003, from NBC Washington Bureau Chief Tim Russert.
February 9, 2006
Half a Loaf ...
Acting on a motion filed late last year by Dow Jones & Co., the U. S. Court of Appeals for the D. C. Circuit has released initially-redacted portions of the court's February 15,2005, opinion in the CIA leak investigation matter, regarding the contempt findings against now-former Times reporter Judith Miller and Time magazine reporter Matt Cooper. The court reissued the opinion on February 6, with the previously-redacted portions appearing in italics on pages 30 through 39.
The 2005 opinion redacted eight pages to preserve grand jury secrecy and to protect classified information. Unfortunately for those hoping to understand the court's reasoning (the court concluded that even if there is a qualified reporter's privilege, it is overcome in this case), those eight pages presumably set forth that aspect of the court's analysis.
In its February 3 opinion, the court notes that it is unsealing portions of the opinion containing grand jury matters that the special counsel confirmed in the indictment of Lewis Libby, or which are widely known. The court retained the redaction of certain portions of the opinion and one affidavit, on the grounds that the material would identify witnesses, reveal their testimony, or damage reputations of individuals who may never be charged with a crime.
While the unsealed portions provide some interesting details, much of it is, as the court notes, already known due to the indictment. Two relatively small redactions remain in the court's analysis of the need for Miller's testimony. We do get to read the court's analysis of testimony by NBC Washington Bureau Chief Tim Russert and White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer, which was markedly contrary to Libby's own testimony on a number of points. In contrast, the entire analysis regarding the need for Cooper's testimony--approximately three pages--remains sealed.
Now that's the stuff I want to read!
The 2005 opinion redacted eight pages to preserve grand jury secrecy and to protect classified information. Unfortunately for those hoping to understand the court's reasoning (the court concluded that even if there is a qualified reporter's privilege, it is overcome in this case), those eight pages presumably set forth that aspect of the court's analysis.
In its February 3 opinion, the court notes that it is unsealing portions of the opinion containing grand jury matters that the special counsel confirmed in the indictment of Lewis Libby, or which are widely known. The court retained the redaction of certain portions of the opinion and one affidavit, on the grounds that the material would identify witnesses, reveal their testimony, or damage reputations of individuals who may never be charged with a crime.
While the unsealed portions provide some interesting details, much of it is, as the court notes, already known due to the indictment. Two relatively small redactions remain in the court's analysis of the need for Miller's testimony. We do get to read the court's analysis of testimony by NBC Washington Bureau Chief Tim Russert and White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer, which was markedly contrary to Libby's own testimony on a number of points. In contrast, the entire analysis regarding the need for Cooper's testimony--approximately three pages--remains sealed.
Now that's the stuff I want to read!
December 14, 2005
It Comes as No Surprise ...
The News & Observer quotes Bob Novack as telling an audience at the John Locke Foundation in Raleigh, North Carolina, that he is confident that President Bush knows the identity of Novack's source for his Valerie Plame column, and quotes Novack as saying, "So I say, 'Don't bug me. Don't bug Bob Woodward. Bug the president as to whether he should reveal who the source is.' "
Hmmmm ... could it be that all roads lead to an undisclosed location?
Hmmmm ... could it be that all roads lead to an undisclosed location?
October 28, 2005
Libby Indicted on Five Counts
Lewis Libby indicted for perjury, making false statements, and and obstruction of justice. All charges apparently linked to Libby's conduct during the course of the Special Counsel's investigation.
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