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Judge issues modified gag order for trial of Trump ally Roger Stone — but he can still talk
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Judge issues modified gag order for trial of Trump ally Roger Stone — but he can still talk

The accused can continue his media blitz

A federal judge has issued a modified gag order for parties involved in the trial of longtime Trump ally Roger Stone, who stands accused of seven charges brought by special counsel Robert Mueller.

The attorneys on both sides are no longer allowed to speak to the media about the case, but the defendant still can.

What are the details?

The order issued by U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson states that all attorneys involved are prohibited "from making further statements to the media or in public settings that are 'substantially likely to have a materially prejudiced effect'" on the case.

Stone is a frequent television commentator and has been on a media blitz since his high-profile arrest by the FBI last month. He's still allowed to talk about the case publicly, just not "within the immediate vicinity of the courthouse."

However, the judge warned Stone in her closing that, "while it is not up to the court to advise the defendants as to whether a succession of public statements would be in his best interest at this time, it notes that one factor that will be considered in the evaluation of any future request for relief based on pretrial publicity will be the extent to which the publicity was engendered by the defendant himself."

The judge had told Stone earlier in the month that if she did impose restrictions on his speech, she would only prohibit him from discussing the case itself and wouldn't stop anyone from talking about "foreign relations, immigration or Tom Brady as much as they wanted," Politico reported.

Anything else?

Bruce Rogow, an attorney for Stone. said he was fine with the order, according to Reuters.

"We are pleased that Mr. Stone's First Amendment Rights have been safeguarded. Courthouse steps are reasonable places for restraint for all," Rogow said.

Stone was indicted on charges of making false statements to Congress, witness tampering, and obstruction. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

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