Second mistrial motion denied at Conrad Black trial

CHICAGO - Conrad Black's lawyer called for a mistrial minutes after testimony resumed yesterday in the fallen media magnate's criminal fraud trial but the motion was swiftly denied.

It was the second mistrial motion in two days dismissed by US District Judge Amy St Eve, who has wrestled with complaints from attorneys for Black and three co-defendants that testimony citing some defendants' words might implicate other defendants.

Defence lawyers argue they cannot rebut such testimony by directly cross-examining other defendants, who do not have to testify.

The heart of the racketeering and fraud case against Black and three former associates revolves around the non-compete payments paid to the executives and to related companies for the sales of Hollinger International newspapers from 1998 to 2001.

- REUTERS