SALT LAKE CITY (AP) – A Utah judge on Monday ordered the release of a transcript from a closed-door hearing in October over whether the man charged with killing Charlie Kirk must be shackled during court proceedings.
State District Judge Tony Graf said public transparency was “foundational” to the judicial system before ordering the release of details from the Oct. 24 closed hearing. Attorneys for media outlets including The Associated Press had argued for access because they said it was also the frist time defense attorneys suggested a ban on cameras in the courtroom.
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Prosecutors have charged Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder in the Sept. 10 shooting of the conservative activist on the Utah valley University campus in Orem. They plan to seek the death penalty. Robinson has not yet entered a plea.
In a 97-page transcript released later Monday, attorneys for Robinson argued that widespread videos and photos of him shackled and in jail clothing could create bias against him among potential jurors. Defense attorney Richard Novak said prohibiting cameras would be “very easy” for the court to enforce and could help curb visual prejudice.
“We’re not litigating this case in the press,” Novak said during the Oct. 24 hearing.
The transcript contained limited redactions to remove discussions of security protocols in the closely watched case. Graf also ordered the release of an audio recording of the hearing, again with redactions.
robinson was not present in court Monday and appeared via audio feed from the Utah County Jail.
Graf has not ruled on the defense’s suggestion to ban cameras, but he has implemented other limitations.
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Days after the closed-door hearing, Graf ruled that Robinson could wear civilian clothes in pretrial hearings but must also wear restraints to ensure the safety of everyone in the courtroom.