In what may be the most secretive obscenity trial in American history, Judge Richard J. Leon has once again closed the courtroom to all but the attorneys involved in the John Stagliano/Evil Angel obscenity case.
A hearing was originally scheduled for 2 p.m. today, but at the last minute was rescheduled to 3 p.m. However, about 10 minutes after the lawyers and various spectators had entered the courtroom, the court clerk announced that the proceedings that were about to happen were to be closed to everyone except the attorneys.
In fact, even the defendant, John Stagliano, was sent out of the courtroom in what may be a violation of his due process rights.
As one observer noted, “He’s treating this case like it was a national security case.”
Stagliano was eventually readmitted to the courtroom, but the proceedings remain closed to spectators and it is unclear whether there will be any public portion of the hearing later today.
