On Friday, a federal judge issued a partial gag order on former Donald Trump associate Roger Stone as part of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation.
District of Columbia Federal Judge Amy Berman Jackson issued an order Friday requiring Stone to “refrain from making statements to the media or in public settings that pose substantial likelihood of material prejudice to this case,” Fox News reports.
“There will be no additional restrictions imposed on the defendant’s public statements or appearances at this time, although this order may be amended in the future … if necessary,” Jackson’s order states. “This order should not be interpreted as modifying or superseding the condition of the defendant’s release that absolutely prohibits him from communicating with any witness in the case, either directly or indirectly. Nor does this order permit the defendant to intimidate or threaten any witness, or to engage or attempt to engage in any conduct in violation of [U.S. Code.]”
Jackson added that while it’s not the court’s job to tell Stone if making public statements is in his best interest, the court notes that “one factor that will be considered in the evaluation of any future request for relief based on pretrial publicity will be the extent to which the publicity was engendered by the defendant himself.”
The Washington Times notes that Jackson said the order is necessary to ensure the trial is fair and to “maintain the dignity and seriousness of the courthouse and these proceedings.”
Those involved with the case, including witnesses and council, were also ordered by Jackson to “refrain” from making statements near the courthouse to media or the public that may “influence any juror, potential juror, judge, witness or the court officer or interfere with the administration of justice.”
Stone, who is known for his flamboyant media personality, has not shied away from media appearances since his dramatic arrest last month. In an interview with Fox News’ Tucker Carlson on the same day he was arrested, Stone said he was “in the fight of my life,” adding, “But I will not quit. I will not fold. I will not bend. I will not bear false witness against the president.”
“Stone has been indicted on seven counts: five counts of making false statements, one count of witness tampering, and one count of obstruction,” The Daily Wire reported after Stone’s early morning arrest in late January. “None of the charges include conspiring with Russian agents or WikiLeaks; instead, they are charges related to the process of the investigation, as is the case with most of the charges thus far brought by Mueller.”
Stone’s arrest was controversial for the heavy-handed nature of the FBI raid as well as CNN’s apparent prior notice of the event. Acting Attorney General called the CNN reporters’ presence at the 6 a.m. FBI raid “deeply concerning.” In the interview with Carlson, Stone called it “disconcerting that CNN was aware that I would be arrested before my lawyers were informed.” Stone also added that he thought the raid used excessive force.