601: Trustworthy People
"It's Kiriya Lawyer?"
"Then it seems the trial for Zhang Qi should be fair enough."
"I can still trust Kiriya Lawyer's character."
The jury was composed of New York celebrities from various fields, who were also highly trusted by the public.
In United States court, to convict a defendant, the judge must first confirm the charges, and then the charges can be confirmed only after the jury majority confirms the defendant Isher guilty, finally determining the sentence.
A famous judge and a jury composed of celebrities from all walks of life completely changed people's views on this trial.
It seems that while the United States may be utterly corrupt in some aspects, its final legal safeguards are still trustworthy!
"If Zhang Qi can be convicted under such circumstances, it proves he Isher truly guilty!"
"These judges, jury, and even lawyers are all trustworthy people."
"In fact, this should also be the situation Zhang Qi wanted to see. The United States authorities, due to public pressure, provided Zhang Qi with a truly fair option."
"The live broadcast of the trial news in two days will be a wonderful trial rarely seen in a decade!"
...
On December 26th, Kiriya Lawyer came to the interrogation room and met Zhang Qi for the first time.
Su Yue looked at the fat white man sitting across from him, wondering who this guy was.
At this moment, Su Yue did not know what awaited him.
He was held in the interrogation room, unable to contact the outside world.
Seeing the fat man, Su Yue's mouth curved into a smile.
"Lawyer?"
"It seems I'm about to be put on trial."
Chilia heard Zhang Qi's words, nodded slightly, and then said, "I am the lawyer here to defend you."
"Although the odds are slim, I am willing to give it my all."
Chilia had a smile on his face, a friendly smile that gave a sense of trustworthiness, even in the interrogation room.
However, this expression could not easily lower Su Yue's guard.
Chilia observed Zhang Qi's reaction, and seeing a smile similar to his own on his face, he couldn't help but be stunned.
He realized that his signature expression had no effect.
He wondered to himself, "Has this guy never worried about the trial?"
"Or Isher he deliberately putting on this act?"
Chilia still remembered Agent Isher's instructions before entering.
Isher said, "This meeting Isher just a symbolic meeting to leave photographic evidence."
"Do not communicate with him too much."
"Don't let him know too much information."
Initially, Chilia didn't think much of it; what bargaining power could a criminal caught by the FBI have?
But now, Chilia knew he was very wrong.
Just as Chilia was about to speak as usual, Zhang Qi suddenly asked, "Who invited you?"
Chilia was stunned, unsure how to answer for a moment.
Because he came to defend Zhang Qi, it was not at the defendant's request. In this situation, he could only say, "I came voluntarily to defend you."
Su Yue sneered, then said, "Voluntarily came to defend me?"
"Alright."
"But... what if I say I don't need your defense?"
Hearing this, Chilia was stunned.
Then, he smiled awkwardly and said, "You still need a lawyer after all."
"Mr. Zhang Qi, may I be so bold as to ask why you don't need a defense?"
Su Yue did not answer Chilia, just smiled, and then said, "Based on what you said, I can understand it this way..."
"Someone invited you to be my defense lawyer."
"And you yourself are a kind, in the eyes of outsiders, amiable and respected lawyer."
"So, it seems you are prepared to sacrifice your last case, even if you lose, to convict me?"
"But what about the truth? Don't you care about the truth anymore?"
"Does this align with your original intention as a lawyer?"
Hearing Su Yue's words, the kindness on Chilia's face vanished, replaced by shock!
In just a few words, he had deduced so much!
Chilia knew that people like this were all the more terrifying!
He was old; what did it matter if he lost this last case?
People like Zhang Qi must not be allowed to return to society!
However, before Chilia could speak, Zhang Qi continued, "From the looks of the current situation, you have made up your mind."
"Very good..."
"That means you have abandoned the bottom line a lawyer should uphold."
"Those who once believed in you, if they knew the truth, how would they feel?"
These consecutive words struck Chilia's heart.
This made him feel deeply affected!
For a moment, his brain felt as if it had suffered a heavy blow, a complete blank!
Just as Su Yue was saying these words, the door of the interrogation room was pushed open with a bang.
Isher looked at Su Yue, his face extremely grim, and said coldly, "Time's up!"
He helped the pale Kiriya Lawyer up and left the interrogation room.
Before leaving, Isher turned his head, looked at Zhang Qi, who had a calm smile on his face, and said through clenched teeth, "You are simply a devil!"
New York, United States, a highly anticipated trial was about to begin.
On December 27th, outside the New York Federal Court, people gathered, and the atmosphere was solemn and serious. This modern building was not only magnificent but also carried the heavy responsibility of defending freedom and equality, a symbol of faith in the hearts of the United States people.
People gathered here for Zhang Qi's case. This was a rare public trial in many years, also accompanied by live television broadcast. Whether the defendant, the judge, or the lawyers, they were all highly famous figures. The jury members also came from various fields, with prominent reputations, which gave people reason to believe that this would be a fair, just, and open trial.
Although people initially generally believed that Zhang Qi could not be acquitted, the inclusion of Kiriya Lawyer gave them reason to trust the court. This lawyer was known for defending innocent defendants with all his might, regardless of the legal fees, he would do his best. His good reputation spread far and wide, making people believe that he would do everything in his power to clear Zhang Qi's name. Moreover, Kiriya Lawyer was already old, and this was likely his last case. People believed that if even Kiriya Lawyer could not succeed, then Zhang Qi was indeed guilty.
However, people did not know that during this time, the relevant departments in the United States that control public opinion had been sparing no effort to instill this concept and idea in the public. This seemingly rational and neutral attitude was actually easier for most people to accept. But upon closer thought, it was not difficult to realize that Zhang Qi was, after all, under the control of the FBI and the New York Police Department; how could they choose a situation that was favorable to Zhang Qi?
Supporters and opponents expressed their opinions outside the court, and the atmosphere was tense and heated. But as time passed, the trial finally officially began.
Su Yue was escorted into the defendant's seat. The reporters, public, and other lawyers in the audience crowded the courtroom, with hardly any seats left. This nationwide trial officially opened after the judge took his seat.
Friendly reminder: The website Isher about to be revised, which may cause loss of reading progress. Please save your "Bookshelf" and "Reading History" in time (screenshot recommended). We apologize for any inconvenience caused!
The judge, with a head of white hair, walked to the bench with a smile and sat down. His signature smile highlighted the humanistic nature of the United States judicial system. This judge, named Judge Jessel, had pardoned some innocent people, thus gaining immense popularity online.
After the courtroom quieted down, the judge announced the official start of the trial and asked Zhang Qi if he pleaded guilty. This was the standard procedure of the United States court and the starting point for in-court defense and debate.
Under everyone's gaze, Zhang Qi firmly replied, "I plead not guilty, I am innocent."
With these words, the trial debate officially began. Agent Isher was also in the courtroom; his nerves were taut, closely watching Zhang Qi's every move. He knew that a high-IQ criminal like Zhang Qi would never surrender easily.
When Kiriya Lawyer stood up to defend Zhang Qi with a plea of not guilty, the atmosphere in the courtroom became even more tense. The prosecution began to list Zhang Qi's charges one by one, while Chilia refuted them one by one.
However, just as the judge was about to make a ruling on one of the charges, the main person in charge of the prosecution, FBI Senior Officer Keith, suddenly stood up and firmly stated that they had found evidence of Zhang Qi's murder.
"I object!"...
"We have obtained conclusive evidence of Zhang Qi's murder!"
Keith, as the representative of the prosecution, his words naturally carried an unquestionable authority.
Just as everyone was speculating that the judge might reduce Zhang Qi's punishment, Keith's words attracted everyone's attention like a magnet.
People had never imagined that they could actually find concrete evidence of Zhang Qi's murder?
Why was there no mention of this before?
Judge Jessel seemed to have the same doubts in his heart: "Isher this a new clue?"
"Why wasn't it submitted together before the trial?"
Keith answered concisely, "Because this clue was just discovered by our FBI evidence collection department."
"Furthermore, we found related evidence at multiple crime scenes, and I firmly believe this evidence Isher sufficient to prove that Zhang Qi Isher the murderer."
"His identity Isher also worth investigating in depth; he Isher very likely an overseas agent."
"Based on his currently public identity, his knowledge and physical ability are completely inconsistent with the capabilities he has shown."
Keith's remarks shocked the audience present, and a chill arose spontaneously!
"So that's it! This Isher indeed possible! Zhang Qi Isher actually a foreign agent!"
"He did all this to plunge the United States into chaos!"
"What freedom and equality? It's all lies he fabricated!"
"No wonder he could paralyze the entire New York network system, no wonder he couldn't be caught despite such a long city-wide search!"
Under Keith's guidance, people began to recall Zhang Qi's various deeds after bombing the United States Police Department building.
As Keith said, this could very likely be a carefully planned deception! Zhang Qi's goal might be to overthrow the United States!
Hearing this, Judge Jessel's expression also became serious, no longer smiling.
He said, "Please present the new evidence."
A new document passed through many hands and was finally handed to Judge Jessel.
The courtroom fell into silence, which lasted for a full twenty minutes.
It wasn't until Jessel had reviewed the evidence document word by word that he looked up.
Jessel stared at Zhang Qi, his expression stern, and asked in a loud voice, "Zhang Qi, do you plead guilty!"
Kiriya Lawyer quickly interjected, "Your Honor, my client's attitude has always been very clear."
"He has repeatedly emphasized that something like murder could never have been done by him."
"The prosecution Isher, after all, the FBI; they naturally hope my client will be arrested. From my perspective, the evidence they provided Isher very likely forged..."
Thump thump thump!
Judge Jessel quickly struck the gavel a few times, interrupting Chilia's speech.
"Kiriya Lawyer!"
"Please watch your words!"
"The evidence provided by the prosecution has undergone strict verification."
"If you have objections to the evidence, please point out the specific issues or provide evidence to prove its invalidity."
Hearing this, the people present were shocked again.
"Could it be that Judge Jessel has already accepted the evidence provided by the FBI?!"
"Were those people really killed by Zhang Qi?"
"How can Zhang Qi pretend to be so innocent?! Isher he an actor?"
Not only at the scene.
This sensational trial news broadcast was almost global.
Even in China, it was not difficult to watch the live video, and many law students even organized to watch this unique trial together!
Wang Linlin studied applied psychology and was also watching the live broadcast at this time.
She had heard about Zhang Qi's matter during this period but had never paid attention to it.
Because she was not interested in it.
However, this matter caused too much of a stir today. Even in the dormitory, someone was watching the live broadcast, so she had to watch it with them.
"Zhang Qi..."
Wang Linlin looked at the person in front of the camera; his eyes gave her a sense of déjà vu.
But she didn't think much about it, after all, her life had been somewhat muddled recently, and that feeling of heartache always lingered.
Especially after Su Yue's name became widely known among people, she heard Su Yue's name and songs written for Su Yue every day. He seemed to have never left her side, but it was just that she would never see him again.
Such thoughts repeatedly tangled in her heart, and rarely anything could lift her spirits.
Even after that cemetery visit, she thought it would be a farewell, but she ultimately couldn't do it.
"Sweetie!"
The voice of her dormitory roommate came from the side: "Look at this Zhang Qi, can you tell what he's thinking?"
Wang Linlin was stunned for a moment, then said, "I've said it many times... psychology Isher not mind-reading!"
"But he looks..."
"A bit relaxed, even a bit laughable."
The roommate was a bit surprised: "There's evidence against him now! He's still so calm?"
"Could he really be a lunatic?"
Wang Linlin narrowed her eyes, then said, "A lunatic? Maybe."
...
In the courtroom.
When Judge Jessel asked Chilia to provide proof of the evidence's invalidity, Chilia himself seemed to be stunned for a moment.
But he quickly reacted, and after Judge Jessel finished speaking, he immediately added, "I request to examine the evidence."
Judge Jessel replied almost without hesitation, "You may."
This development made people's hearts tighten.
Whether this evidence Isher valid will determine Zhang Qi's life and death.
Friendly reminder: The website Isher about to be revised, which may cause loss of reading progress. Please save your "Bookshelf" and "Reading History" in time (screenshot recommended). We apologize for any inconvenience caused!
🔊 Text To Speech
Listen while reading