Jury

Iranian Director Mohammad Rasoulof Wins Special Jury Prize at Cannes for Film Highlighting Injustice Amid Personal and National Struggle

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Cannes, France – Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, recently escaped from Iran, has been honored at the Cannes Film Festival with a special jury prize for his latest movie, which deep dives into the trials of a court investigator amid anti-government protests. Rasoulof, 51, faced with a harsh prison sentence in Iran, expressed his emotions through his film “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” which spotlighted the plight of his team still facing pressures in Iran. In his heartfelt acceptance speech, Rasoulof dedicated his award to his courageous film crew in Iran, stressing the continued surveillance … Read more

Jury Deliberates as Man Self-Represents in Arizona Church Arson Trial, Citing Biblical Defense and Unfair Treatment

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TUCSON, Ariz. — The trial of Eric Ridenour, who stands accused of arson targeting two local churches, has reached a critical juncture as jurors commenced deliberations after days of dramatic courtroom testimonies and fervent closing arguments. Ridenour, representing himself in court, faced allegations of setting ablaze St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church in Douglas last year. Prosecutors aimed to cement his guilt with video evidence and eyewitness testimonials which suggested his presence at the crime scenes. Authorities recounted the sequence of events where surveillance footage purportedly captured a blue Pontiac Aztec, consistent with … Read more

Star-Studded Jury Announced for the 81st Venice International Film Festival Gold Lion Competition

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VENICE, Italy — The prestigious Venice International Film Festival, scheduled for August 28 to September 7, has finalized its International Jury for the eagerly awaited Venezia 81 competition. The panel comprises a diverse group of nine cinema luminaries from around the globe, tasked with selecting the best film for the coveted Golden Lion award among various other accolades. Leading the jury this year as president is renowned French actress Isabelle Huppert, whose illustrious career includes accolades such as two Best Actress awards at Venice Film Festival and a Special Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement. Joining … Read more

Alex Murdaury Seeks Supreme Court Intervention for Retrial Amid Claims of Jury Tampering by Court Clerk

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — Alex Murdaugh, the disbarred attorney serving a life sentence for the murders of his wife and son, is seeking a new trial, alleging jury tampering by a court official aimed at influencing his conviction. Murdaugh’s legal team filed an appeal to the South Carolina Supreme Court, asserting that their client’s trial was compromised. The motion centers around accusations against Becky Hill, the former Colleton County Clerk of Court, who was allegedly involved in discussions with jurors during the trial. Lawyers for Murdaugh claim that Hill was motivated by a desire to secure … Read more