The Denver Post
Statement from accuser's attorney
Wednesday, July 28, 2004 - Here is a statement released by John Clune, the attorney for the alleged victim in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case, issued after the woman's name and details of sealed evidence were accidentally posted on a state court website:
It is inconceivable how this Court can explain its continual pattern of revictimizing this 20-year-old girl. Today's stunning lapse sends a destructive message to all victims that the very institution charged with the protection of victim's rights has little interest in succeeding in that effort. At the last hearing this young woman's attorney addressed a cry for help to the Judge requesting he do whatever he can to protect her from the Court's own mistakes. That cry was flatly ignored and she has suffered again. This judge must learn that the trust that a victim places in the judiciary is the foundation for the courage that all victims must have to endure the brutal nature of rape prosecutions. Just days ago, our own Supreme Court described the protections of victims as the "highest order," even greater than the First Amendment protections against prior restraint. Now we have an order from our own judge, the chief judge of our district, sending a clear message to this victim that she will not be protected. What does that tell us about the importance of victim's rights to this judiciary? What message does that send to victims everywhere? The Court should not only apologize to this family, but also explain why they should not be suspicious of now three violations of this girl's privacy. Their attorney lacks the conviction necessary for such persuasion. |