Federal prosecutors have recently disclosed evidence indicating that a key witness in the criminal case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams may have lied, according to statements from his defense attorney Alex Spiro. Spiro accused the prosecutors of withholding important information known as “Brady material,” which could potentially help exonerate a defendant. The evidence was released only after Spiro repeatedly requested it.
The witness in question, Rana Abbasova, a former staffer for Adams who has become a key witness in the bribery and corruption case, has been the subject of scrutiny from the defense team. Spiro alleges that Abbasova lied to investigators about Adams’ involvement in any wrongdoing. The defense has claimed that leaks to the press may have pressured Abbasova to cooperate.
Abbasova is accused of coordinating illegal donations and arranging luxury travel perks during her time working for Adams. The feds raided her home in November 2023, claiming she deleted texts while hiding in her bathroom. Abbasova was later placed on leave from her job at City Hall and was eventually fired amid a series of dismissals of allegedly troubled officials, including Mohamed Bahi, the mayor’s liaison to the Muslim community, who was subsequently arrested on witness tampering charges.
The defense is attempting to discredit Abbasova’s credibility as a witness in the case. Spiro’s allegations of withheld evidence raise concerns about the integrity of the prosecution’s case against Mayor Adams. The ongoing legal battle and developments in the case are sure to be closely watched as they unfold.
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