No Court TV for Kobe Bryant Trial

Judge Terry Ruckriegle has denied a request of Court TV to broadcast the sexual assault trial of NBA basketball star Kobe Bryant, saying the airing the trial could cause the potential of intimidation and the reluctance on the part of witnesses in the high-profile case.

Cameras will be allowed during the opening statements and closing statements only, the judge ruled. Court TV had requested that the cable television channel be able to broadcast the Eagle, Colorado trial, which begins Aug. 27 when potential jurors begin to fill out questionnaires.

Judge Ruckriegle said cameras in the courtroom could "detract from the solemnity and dignity of the trial during witness testimony." He also said that the defendant, the accuser, and the district attorney have already received threats as a result of the case.

See Reuters Judge Limits Video in Kobe Bryant Case

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