On Wednesday, the Manhattan prosecution suggested that they might bring new charges against Harvey Weinstein, following their investigation into recent claims of sexual assault lodged against him by multiple individuals. They did not disclose the exact number of individuals testifying nor shared details of their accusations but stated they were determining which claims are within the statute of limitations.
The prosecution team is readying to retry Weinstein after his 2020 sex crime conviction was dismissed. Weinstein was spotted in the Criminal Court in Manhattan for a Wednesday hearing, wearing a dark suit and white shirt while sitting in a wheelchair. He held a large tan book under his left arm.
This was Weinstein’s second hearing since his verdict was rescinded last month. Standing in agreement with Weinstein’s legal counsel, The New York Court of Appeals, with a 4-3 decision, held that the presiding judge from Weinstein’s 2020 case made an erroneous call allowing the prosecutors to summon a number of accusers as witnesses, even when their allegations had not culminated in charges.
Weinstein, an erstwhile Hollywood producer found guilty of sex crimes against two women during that trial, was midway through a 23-year sentence. Earlier this month, the prosecution team in Manhattan expressed their intent to retry him.
Curtis Farber, now overseeing the case, stated on Wednesday that should the prosecutors choose to call a grand jury for an indictment on fresh charges, the judiciary and Weinstein’s defence team are to be duly informed. The following hearing for the New York case is slated for July 9th.
Weinstein, convicted during 2020 in California for rape and sexual attack, still faces a prison sentence. His punishment, a 16-year term, is to commence post his New York sentencing. Weinstein’s California-based legal representative plans on appealing against Weinstein’s conviction, harbouring hopes of a successful appeal owing to the recent dismissal in New York. This perspective, however, has been met with scepticism from several legal pundits.
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