The trial for Alexander Smirnov, the ex-FBI informant charged with making false statements related to Joe Biden and Hunter Biden's business ties in Ukraine, has been postponed until early December. Originally scheduled to begin in Los Angeles on April 23, the trial was delayed to allow for additional preparation time.
Smirnov's defense attorneys, along with special counsel David Weiss, requested the delay citing the need for adequate time to prepare for the trial effectively. The request also mentioned the necessity to handle classified material in discovery, requiring compliance with the Classified Procedures Act. U.S. District Judge Otis Wright granted the motion, rescheduling the trial to commence on December 3 at 9:30 a.m.
Smirnov, aged 43, was charged in February for allegedly spreading falsehoods about Joe Biden and Hunter Biden's involvement in a Ukrainian bribery scheme. Prosecutors claim that Smirnov falsely asserted that the Bidens received $5 million each from Burisma executives in 2015. Smirnov pleaded not guilty to making false statements and is currently held without bail.
The indictment against Smirnov alleges that he provided misleading information to the FBI, including false claims about Hunter Biden's role at Burisma and alleged bribery payments to the Bidens. Despite repeated warnings to provide truthful information, Smirnov is accused of fabricating evidence to support his claims.
Furthermore, Smirnov is accused of transforming routine business contacts with Burisma into bribery allegations against Joe Biden, showing bias against the former vice president. Prosecutors argue that Smirnov's claims lack credibility, as they suggest payments were made to influence U.S. policy decisions when Joe Biden was out of office.
The trial delay raises questions about Smirnov's continued detention and the impact on the case's proceedings. With the trial now set for December, the legal battle surrounding Smirnov's false statements and their potential impact on U.S. elections is expected to continue.
