Late Monday night, it was announced that cell phones, computers and other electronic devices will be banned from the courtroom during Tuesday's indictment of Donald Trump. The decision was made by the judge in the case, Juan Merchan, after Trump's lawyers appealed for a camera ban, Politico reports.
As early as 15 p.m. on Monday, journalists began queuing to enter the courtroom, which applies the "first come, first served" principle. With wooden chairs and large packs, many of them spent the night outside the Manhattan Criminal Court. But they will not be allowed to broadcast directly from the courtroom and only a few will be allowed to take still photos "for a few minutes," according to the judge.
At the request of Trump's lawyers
As Donald Trump flew from his Florida home, his lawyers released a letter seeking to limit media coverage from the courtroom.
"The media request should be denied because it would create a circus-like atmosphere during the negotiations, creating unique security concerns and being inconsistent with President Trump's presumption of innocence," the letter said.
Juan Merchan, who thus accommodated Trump's lawyers, has previously received criticism from the defendant. On Friday, Donald Trump wrote on his own social media service Truth Social that Judge Juan Merchan "hates him" and that he is biased, according to Sky News.
The court hearing will begin on Tuesday 14.15 local time, or 20.15 Swedish time.