Accused Mexican drug lord Joaquin „El Chapo“ Guzman said in court on Monday that he will not testify in his own defense at his U. S. trial.
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Accused Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman said in court on Monday that he will not testify in his own defense at his U. S. trial.
Guzman announced his decision after prosecutors rested their case against him in federal court in Brooklyn. After excusing the jury, U. S. District Judge Brian Cogan asked Guzman directly whether he understood it was his decision, not that of his lawyers, to testify or not.
“Yes, but they counseled me about it and I agree with them,” Guzman answered.
Had Guzman, 61, testified, it would have provided a fitting climax to an already dramatic trial. However, Guzman’s decision was widely expected, as testifying would have exposed him to cross-examination by prosecutors.
