The Louisiana Supreme Court has granted a stay of proceedings in a criminal indictment against state Attorney General Liz Murrill, a Republican, marking the latest escalation in a political conflict between Republican state leaders and Democratic officials in New Orleans.
Indictment Details
Murrill was indicted on 16 counts by a New Orleans grand jury on Thursday, charging her with intimidation and malfeasance. The charges stem from allegations that she attempted to intimidate New Orleans officials who opposed a law passed by Republican legislators to overhaul the city's courts. Murrill quickly sought a stay, which the Louisiana Supreme Court granted early on Friday, citing "a compelling argument concerning the disturbing defects in the grand jury proceedings and in the trial court's handling of those proceedings."
Political Reactions
Murrill described the charges as "retaliatory, meritless and unconstitutional," stating on X that she would continue "doing the job the people of Louisiana elected me to do." Republican Governor Jeff Landry has promised a swift pardon, asserting that Murrill would not have her reputation tarnished by a "kangaroo court."
Courtroom Secrecy and Media Incident
The indictment was shrouded in secrecy. News media members awaiting the return of the indictment in Judge Leon Roche's courtroom were escorted out after he ordered the room sealed. Louisiana law requires grand jury returns to be made in open court. WWL Louisiana, a Guardian reporting partner, protested the closure. Investigative producer Danny Monteverde and attorney Elana Beiser were handcuffed and removed from the courtroom and an outside hallway. Judge Roche did not explain the sealing, but a court spokesperson later stated that grand jurors must be physically present for indictments and that confidentiality protects their identities so they can deliberate "freely, objectively and without fear of public exposure."
Background of Political Tensions
Political tensions have escalated over a law abolishing the court clerk office won by Calvin Duncan, who was exonerated after nearly 30 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. Murrill told eight New Orleans officials, including Mayor Helena Moreno and District Attorney Jason Williams, that they could face removal for opposing the law. Duncan believes state officials retaliated by eliminating his position, which he won with 68% of the vote. Murrill and Landry have refused to acknowledge Duncan as exonerated, despite his listing on the National Registry of Exonerations.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
The Supreme Court's stay allows Murrill to "assert any and all necessary defensive pleadings, including motions to quash." The order also permits the filing of motions for recusal of the special prosecutor, former judge Laurie White, who previously served as Duncan's attorney, or the trial judge. The stay does not prevent responses to any pleadings filed by the attorney general.
