TRIAL JUDGE REFUSES TO STAY HALKBANK CASE, SETS IT FOR TRIAL IN 2021

US District Court Judge Richard M. Berman has denied the motion of the defendant, Turkish state- owned Halkbank, to stay the trial until 2022; bank counsel wanted to be able to travel to Turkey to consult with their client, when permissible due to the COVID-19 virus, and for other reasons. He set the case for trial on March 1, 2021.

 The Court, noting the delays that have already occurred, stated that "the avoidance of unnecessary delay" was a primary factor in the setting of the date. we have previously reported on the procedural objections that have resulted in extensive delays in this case, including appeals. It also noted that another factor was  "the importance of and the public interest in the issues presented in this litigation."

There is a pending Motion to Dismiss the Indictment. On September 10, the Court set oral argument for September 18, 2020. Public dial-in access to that hearing is available. If any reader wishes details on how one participates remotely, please email me for instructions at: miamicompliance@gmail.com .

The defendant's Motion to Recuse was denied on August 24, 2020. Here is the order setting the Trial Schedule. The Pretrial Conference is January 14, 2021.