Oscar-winning director and screenwriter Paul Haggis He remains under house arrest in Ostuni because he could taint evidence and repeat the crime. This was decided by the investigating judge of the Brindisi Court Velma Geli who did not validate the arrest due to the lack of risk of escape, but applied the precautionary measure of sexual violence against a 30-year-old English woman. The judge believes that “pending the hearing for the alleged victim in cross-examination – Haggis’ defence, attorney Michele LaForgia – says there is a risk of contamination of the only source of evidence”. As for the risk of a recurrence of the crime, the investigating judge held that it existed “because – adds the defender – a pending civil dispute of similar purpose in the United States”.
At the cross-examination this morning, with the assistance of attorney Michele LaForgia, Haggis answered questions by declaring his innocence. The director has been under house arrest since last Sunday In a hotel in Ostuni Brindisi, submitted his version of the facts to the investigating judge Velma Gilly in ensuring an interrogation to verify the authenticity of the arrest.
Paul Haggis explained how it went. Totally self-proclaimed innocentAs he did immediately after his arrest. The relationships he established with this woman are completely by default “During these three days we spent together in Ostuni,” the lawyer continued. “We have made it clear – LaForgia explained – that, contrary to what is assumed in the charges, there are no injuries and no sign of violence.” “I think – the criminal lawyer from Bari confirmed – that they misinterpreted the report of the emergency department, where the girl was examined after the complaint. And now we are waiting for the judge’s decision, who will issue his verdict on both the arrest and at the request of the prosecution, which is to maintain house arrest pending urgent investigations” .
“The evidentiary incident was already requested by hearing the contradictory complaint. Mr. Haggis stated explicitly that he had not only done anything to escape the investigations of Italian justice, that he also stayed here because he was working here and had to do the work for the festival. But also to take care of the presence. In these investigations and then stay in Italy until his complete innocence is established, because his life here depends on this, but also in the United States where he resides.”
“We no longer go into the subject matter of the case out of respect for the judge who is in the council chamber and won’t come out before the afternoon. The judge already said he would decide today and it would take hours. As I did our opinion, the hearing took a bit, we discussed, he made statements, he answered the Questions. It is appropriate to conduct an in-depth study, there are not many documents, but the matter is very sensitive. The evidentiary incident did not happen, it was fixed, but it was already requested, ”Michelle Laforgia told reporters.
“The defense, in formulating an express precaution to challenge the award on the terms and in the manner prescribed by law, reiterates that The suspect claims that he has absolutely nothing to do with the charges against himLawyer Laforgia said in the evening, expressing confidence that the full truth of the facts will be quickly reconfirmed and the suspect’s freedom restored.
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