In a recent development, the Montenegro Basic Court has granted bail to Terra co-founder Do Kwon and former chief financial officer Han Chang-joon for the second time. This decision comes after the earlier bail ruling was revoked by the Montenegro high court. The court's approval allows Kwon and Chang-joon to be released from custody, enabling them to defend themselves against charges of falsifying documents. However, the Montenegro prosecutors have the option to appeal the decision within three days. Let's delve into the details.
Bail Conditions and Amount:
Under the new bail conditions, both Do Kwon and Han Chang-joon are required to pay a bail amount of 400,000 Euros ($436,000) each. They must remain at the address provided by their lawyer, Branko Anđelić, until the conclusion of the passport forgery case. Additionally, they are obligated to comply with court summons, be under surveillance, and adhere to other measures imposed by the court.
Factors Considered by the Court:
The Montenegro Basic Court carefully evaluated several factors before granting bail. These factors included the severity of the criminal offense, the personal and family situations of the defendants, and the financial ability of the individuals providing bail. The court will also verify the legitimacy of the travel documents and identity cards, as Do Kwon's lawyer asserts that the Costa Rican passports were obtained legally.
Consequences of Non-compliance:
Should either defendant attempt to escape or fail to comply with the imposed measures, the court reserves the right to cancel their bail, resulting in the forfeiture of the bail amount. It is noteworthy that Do Kwon will only be extradited to South Korea or the United States after completing his sentence in Montenegro.
Prosecutors' Appeal:
Montenegro prosecutor Haris Šabotić has filed an appeal against the court's decision regarding Do Kwon and Han Chang-joon's bail. The prosecution argues that the bail amount is insufficient to prevent the defendants from fleeing and that no additional surveillance measures have been included in the bail conditions. The Basic Court has provided the prosecutors with three days to file their appeal. If they do not appeal within this timeframe, the defendants will be released on bail with the updated conditions.
Engagement of Legal Representation:
Do Kwon has enlisted the services of Dentons, the world's largest law firm, to represent him in the ongoing prosecution and investigation by US federal prosecutors. This move highlights the seriousness with which Kwon is approaching his legal defense.
Conclusion:
The Montenegro Basic Court's decision to grant bail to Terra co-founder Do Kwon and former CFO Han Chang-joon, albeit under updated conditions, marks a significant development in their legal proceedings. As the prosecutors consider appealing the court's decision, the final outcome remains uncertain. The involvement of Dentons, a renowned law firm, demonstrates Kwon's commitment to navigating the legal process effectively. It is important to monitor reliable news sources for the latest updates on this case to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or any other form of professional advice. It is always advisable to consult with appropriate professionals for guidance related to specific situations.