Hunter Biden declines closed-door deposition, reaffirms commitment to public appearance
Attorney for Hunter Biden Rejects Closed-Door Deposition, Offers Public Testimony Instead
An attorney representing Hunter Biden has firmly stated that the president’s son will not participate in a closed-door deposition requested by House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY). Instead, the attorney has reiterated their client’s willingness to testify in a public hearing.
The attorney’s response comes after Comer issued a subpoena demanding Hunter Biden’s presence for a closed-door deposition as part of the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. In a previous letter to the committee, Hunter Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, declined the request, emphasizing that their client would only agree to testify in a public hearing before the committee, not in a closed-door deposition.
“He is making this choice because the Committee has demonstrated time and again it uses closed-door sessions to manipulate, even distort, the facts and misinform the American public — a hearing would ensure transparency and truth in these proceedings,” Lowell wrote.
In a public hearing, members from both parties of the committee are given five minutes each to question a witness in an open setting. On the other hand, a deposition involves representatives from each party taking turns to question a witness behind closed doors. While depositions are not accessible to the media and the public, they are transcribed, and sometimes the transcripts are later made public.
In the letter, Lowell points to Comer’s previous public statements as the basis for their decision. Lowell references Comer’s remarks on a conservative podcast on Oct. 31, where he stated, “We’re in the downhill phase of this investigation now because we have so many documents, and we can bring these people in for depositions or committee hearings, whichever they choose.” Lowell also highlights Comer’s statement on Newsmax on Sept. 13, where he said, ”Hunter Biden is more than welcome to come in front of the committee… he’s invited today. We will drop everything.” On Nov. 8, Comer sent Lowell a letter stating, ”Given your client’s willingness to address this investigation publicly up to this point, we would expect him to be willing to testify before Congress.”
Following Lowell’s initial letter rejecting the closed-door deposition, Comer responded with another letter, expressing his willingness to hold a public hearing but only after Hunter Biden had completed the deposition.
“He doesn’t get to make the rules,” Comer remarked about Hunter Biden while speaking to reporters. “You’re talking about a white guy from an influential family that has told the IRS, the FBI, and the DOJ to go fly a kite. He’s not going to tell the House Oversight Committee that. He will have the deposition and then the public hearing; that’s the way.”
A spokesperson for the House Oversight Committee did not provide a comment on this letter when requested.
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Why is it important to have public hearings in the impeachment inquiry process?
To ask questions and elicit testimony from the witness. The proceedings are recorded and made available to the public, allowing for greater transparency in the information presented.
The decision to reject the closed-door deposition and opt for a public hearing reflects a desire to ensure that all information provided is accurate and not subject to manipulation or distortion. Hunter Biden’s attorney’s statement highlights the concern that closed-door sessions can be used to control the narrative and misinform the public.
This refusal to participate in a closed-door deposition raises important questions about the fairness and impartiality of the impeachment inquiry. It begs the question of why the committee would insist on a closed-door session when a public hearing would allow for a more open and transparent process.
As the impeachment inquiry moves forward, it is essential that all parties involved, including witnesses like Hunter Biden, have the opportunity to testify in a manner that upholds principles of fairness and transparency. By offering to testify in a public hearing, Hunter Biden is demonstrating his commitment to providing the American public with the truth and ensuring that all information is presented accurately.
It is crucial for the American people to have confidence in the integrity of the impeachment inquiry. By opting for a public hearing, Hunter Biden’s attorney is pushing for a process that allows for greater scrutiny and accountability. Transparency is essential in ensuring that the public is fully informed about the evidence and testimonies presented.
The attorney’s rejection of a closed-door deposition should not be seen as an attempt to avoid accountability or hide information. On the contrary, it is a commitment to a fair and transparent process that allows for the truth to be revealed. By participating in a public hearing, Hunter Biden is providing an opportunity for all Americans to hear his testimony and make their own informed judgments.
Ultimately, the decision to reject a closed-door deposition and offer public testimony underscores the importance of transparency in the impeachment inquiry. It sends a message that the American people deserve to know the truth and have access to all relevant information. Only through an open and fair process can the integrity of the investigation be maintained, and the democratic values that underpin our nation be upheld.
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