Trump Prosecutor Fani Willis Makes ‘Emergency’ Request for Protective Order

The Georgia prosecutor who is leading a case against former President Donald Trump and more than a dozen others asked a judge Tuesday to issue an “emergency renewed motion” for a protective order on certain discovery materials.

That includes statements of witnesses, personal identifying information of witnesses, records from government agencies, grand jury materials, confidential communications, confidential business records, and documents acquired under sealed orders, among other evidence. Previously, her office has sought an emergency protective order over certain materials in the case.

The prosecutors also said they would not provide “confidential video recordings of proffers” to defense attorneys who have to view those materials at the district attorney’s office. They can take notes but are prohibited from recording the statements, the filing said.

“These confidential video recordings were not released by the State to any party other than the defendants charged in the indictment, pursuant to the discovery process as required by law,” the prosecutors’ filing stated. “The release of these confidential video recordings is clearly intended to intimidate witnesses in this case, subjecting them to harassment and threats prior to trial, constitutes indirect communication about the facts of this case with codefendants and witnesses, and obstructs the administration of justice, in violation of the conditions of release imposed on each defendant.”

Meanwhile, prosecutors alleged that the “release of these confidential video recordings is clearly intended to intimidate witnesses in this case, subjecting them to harassment and threats prior to trial.” It also should be considered “indirect communication” about the case with witnesses and co-defendants, tantamount to obstruction of justice, according to her filing.

Other than seeking the emergency order, Ms. Willis’ office also wants the court to schedule an emergency hearing on her motion that was filed in September regarding a permanent order.