KOPP PROSECUTOR WANTS WITNESS IDENTITIES TO BE SECRET

BUFFALO, N.Y., July 16, 2002 (LSN.ca) – Accused abortionist-shooter James Kopp, 47, wearing a bullet-proof vest under his jacket, watched from the dock as lawyers argued over the prosecution’s request for a protection order masking the identity of trial witnesses.  Deputy District Attorney Joseph Marusak, the prosecutor, cites the “substantial risk of annoyance” and media harrassment, as well as the “extremely emotionally charged atmosphere” given the divisiveness of abortion. He also alluded to the potential for pro-life violence against witnesses.  Paul Cambria, the defence attorney, said he could accept witness secrecy provided that it does not hamper his defence. Instead, he drew attention to police leaks to the media that have blackened Kopp’s name before the trial has begun. “Our concern,” Cambria told Erie County Judge Michael D’Amico, “are the prejudicial statements being made to the press by faceless, nameless law enforcement sources.” A sweeping protection order, he added, could inhibit his investigators’ access to the witnesses.  Lawyers will convene again on Friday to determine if the prosecution can obtain samples of Kopp’s hair, blood and saliva for DNA testing, handwriting samples, and if Kopp must also stand in a police lineup.  To read Associated Press coverage see: https://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=53045&category=STATE&newsdate=7/16/2002   For previous LifeSite coverage of the Kopp case see: https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2002/may/02052304.html