FTX News: Sam Bankman-Fried's Appeals Court Hearing Saw Skeptical Judges

In a recent appeals court hearing, the Second Circuit Court raised skepticism about Sam Bankman-Fried's arguments for a new trial following his criminal conviction. The three-judge panel indicated doubts regarding the claims made by Bankman-Fried’s attorney that Judge Lewis Kaplan was biased during the original trial. The appeal centered on whether Bankman-Fried was unfairly restricted from arguing his case, particularly around FTX's bankruptcy and the role of attorneys in creating legal documents. While Bankman-Fried's defense contended that the trial's conditions compromised his ability to present his defense effectively, Assistant U.S. Attorney Thane Rehn maintained that the prosecution was focused on the misappropriation of funds during the FTX crisis. The judges, during questioning, sought clarity on the financial impact of the proposed $11 billion forfeiture on victims, indicating their concern about the restitution process. The panel has not yet announced its decision on the appeal.

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