“Degenerate rapist”: Weinstein trial in final phase of China’s former head of state and party leader Jiang Zemin dies

The trial against Harvey Weinstein for sexual assault, which has been ongoing since early October, is in its final stages. The former film producer’s defense ended Wednesday (local time) in Los Angeles court as the prosecution began its closing arguments.

These comments should continue on Thursday (local time). The defense was then expected to speak before the case went to the jury for a verdict.

Prosecutor Marlene Martinez called Weinstein a “degenerate rapist” in her speech to the jury on Wednesday, reporters present at the courthouse reported. He used his power to prey on women and act like a predator, Martinez said. Hotels have become a trap for its victims.

The trial ultimately revolved around seven charges, including rape and other assaults, after one plaintiff left. It concerns allegations of four women in a period from 2004 to 2013. Most of the attacks are said to have taken place in hotels in Beverly Hills.

Several women have taken the stand as witnesses in recent weeks, including Jennifer Siebel, wife of California Governor Gavin Newsom. She described meeting Weinstein in a hotel in 2005, when she was not yet married. As an actress and producer, she wanted to talk about professional projects. According to her statement, she was raped by Weinstein.

With the trial in California, Weinstein was again on trial for sexual assault. A trial in New York ended in 2020 with a guilty verdict and a 23-year prison sentence. His legal team has appealed the ruling. (aeg/sda/dpa)