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Aug. 24 (UPI) -- Attorneys representing former Minneapolis police officer J. Alexander Kueng filed a motion to prohibit live video or audio coverage of his trial in the killing of George Floyd. Court filings submitted Tuesday said Kueng has withdrawn his consent to have the trial for him and two fellow former officers broadcast live. The motion will be requested in court on Sept. 9.
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Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao are charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and manslaughter in the killing of Floyd on May 25, 2020, and are set to stand trial together in March.
The filing states that the broadcast of trial of former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin, who was found guilty of second- and third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in Floyd's death, impaired Kueng's right to a fair trial.
It said one defense witness was "harassed" and another was subject to "professional slander," arguing that Kueng's trial could lead to similar consequences.
"Counsel has been informed by fact witnesses that they will not cooperate or testify because the proceedings are being televised," the defense wrote. "Other witnesses have been reluctant to participate without stating a specific reason, yet intimating they are concerned about being associated with the defense due to the amount of press coverage of this matter."
The defense added that by eliminating the live coverage of the trial they will be able to present a "reasonable" defense in the case.
