Government watchdog to courts: Keep Holmes documents public

From The Gazette (Colorado Springs): A Colorado group that fights for openness in public proceedings is sounding off over a recent attempt by Aurora theater shooting suspect James Holmes to seal documents in his case.

“A heinous crime committed in a darkened movie theater that left 12 dead and hundreds injured and devastated should not result in the judicial process being shrouded in secrecy,” said Jeff Roberts, executive director of the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition. “We hope the judge will deny the defendant’s request and keep our courts open to public scrutiny and accountability.”

In a statement issued last week, the CFOIC urged a judge to shoot down a motion by Holmes’ attorneys asking to seal all transcripts in the case and to force the Colorado Judicial Branch to remove from its website a variety of documents that pertain to the prosecution.

The defense says allowing access to the documents poses a threat to Holmes’ right to a fair trial.

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