Weinstein released on $1 mn bail over rape, abuse charges
New York, May 26: Disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein has been released on $1 million bail after being charged with rape and sexual abuse.
Weinstein, 66, also agreed to wear a GPS tracker and to surrender his passport after turning himself in to police on Friday, reports bbc.com.
He pleaded not guilty to charges of first- and third-degree rape and committing a criminal sexual act in the first degree at his arraignment.
More than 70 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct although the charges relate to only two of them. Some allegations date back decades.
Prosecutors said on Friday that Weinstein had been charged with two counts of rape and one count of a criminal sexual act involving two women, who were not identified.
Witnesses said Weinstein appeared pale and stared into space while prosecutors outlined the bail agreement. The case was adjourned until July 30.
Outside the court, Weinstein's lawyer, Ben Brafman, told reporters his client would enter a not guilty plea. "We intend to move very quickly to dismiss these charges. We believe that they are constitutionally flawed. We believe that they are not factually supported by the evidence," he said.
The New York Police Department issued a statement thanking "these brave survivors for their courage to come forward and seek justice".
The identity of one of the women whose accusations prompted the charges was confirmed by her lawyer on Friday. Former actress Lucia Evans had already publicly accused Weinstein of forcing her into oral sex in 2004.
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Young advocates urge Chief Justice of India to reconsider transfer of Karnataka High Court judges
Bengaluru: A group of over 200 young advocates practicing before the Karnataka High Court have submitted a formal representation to the Hon'ble Chief Justice of India, expressing concern over the proposed transfer of certain sitting judges of the High Court.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Justice, the junior members of the Bar have appealed for a reconsideration of the transfers, describing the judges in question as respected figures known for their fairness, judicial discipline, and support for young lawyers. According to the advocates, these judges have consistently fostered courtroom environments that are patient, merit-focused, and encouraging for those in the early stages of their legal careers.
The signatories expressed particular concern about the absence of a stated rationale for the proposed transfers, especially given the integrity, impartiality, and judicial efficiency demonstrated by the judges in question. They emphasized that while judicial transfers are administrative decisions, they have a profound impact on the morale of the legal community, particularly on young practitioners.
While fully respecting the authority and wisdom of the Hon'ble Collegium, the advocates clarified that their representation is not a critique but a sincere appeal from those who have directly benefited from the conducive judicial atmosphere created by the concerned judges. They stressed the need for transparency in such decisions and urged that the perspective of the younger generation of lawyers be given due consideration.
The representation concludes with an appeal to safeguard the ideals of judicial independence, consistency, and public trust in the judiciary.
