Trial Begins for Former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried: Key Events of the First Day
Date: 2023-10-04 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: IN WORLD
The trial of Sam Bankman-Fried, the former CEO of the bankrupt FTX exchange, began in the United States on October 3rd. The first day of the trial was filled with intriguing developments and details. In this article, we will delve into the key moments of the trial's first day and the significance of this case.
Change in the Defendant's Appearance:
One noticeable change was the physical appearance of Sam Bankman-Fried. According to journalists, the entrepreneur has significantly slimmed down during his time in prison and has abandoned his trademark curls. This transformation appears to symbolize a new phase in his life, closely tied to the legal proceedings.
Calm Demeanor:
Another striking observation was Sam Bankman-Fried's composed behavior in court. He did not display the nervousness seen in the past, such as leg shaking or restless movements. Instead, he maintained a calm and focused demeanor. Throughout the day, he either consulted with his lawyers or worked on his laptop. He only spoke aloud once, answering "yes" to a judge's question. This change in behavior might be attributed to his preparedness for the trial or a shift in his defense strategy.
Jury Selection Process:
Judge Lewis Kaplan initiated the jury selection process. Fifty potential jurors were chosen, and they were each asked pertinent questions about their knowledge of the FTX exchange and the company Alameda. One potential juror even admitted that their company had invested in FTX and Alameda but suffered financial losses. This introduced an interesting dynamic, as some jurors had specific experience and connections to the exchange and the defendant.
Another potential juror expressed a negative attitude towards cryptocurrencies, stating, "I have held a negative view of them since I learned about them." This led to their exclusion from the pool of potential jurors. Furthermore, one juror even expressed interest in the possibility of imposing the death penalty on Bankman-Fried, although this is unrelated to the current criminal case.
Judge Kaplan announced that out of the 50 potential jurors, 18 would be selected for the trial, including 12 jurors and 6 alternates, during the next session. Each juror will be given an opportunity to speak, making the jury selection process more informative and allowing attorneys to make their final choices.
