Trial of George Fenwick (IC/Invite-only)

[Fenwick Foundation]

Fenwick does not rise for the judge.

The judges (there are 12 judges) look suspiciously at George Fenwick before the hearing proceeds.
"George Fenwick, can you tell the court your religion, your class and your national identity?" the Judge-Chairman asks.

"Christian, upper middle, and Munkcestrian."

[Champagne Socialist Sharifistan]

The judges (there are 12 judges) look suspiciously at George Fenwick before the hearing proceeds.
"George Fenwick, can you tell the court your religion, your class and your national identity?" the Judge-Chairman asks.

"Christian, upper middle, and Munkcestrian."

"Ok." the judge said, before continuing with questions,
"Does the prosecution oppose bail?"
"No" says the prosecutor.
"Bail will be granted on condition of wearing an electronic tag." says the Judge-Chairman.
Court is then adjourned and he is presented with an electronic tag to wear.

[Fenwick Foundation]

"Christian, upper middle, and Munkcestrian."

"Ok." the judge said, before continuing with questions,
"Does the prosecution oppose bail?"
"No" says the prosecutor.
"Bail will be granted on condition of wearing an electronic tag." says the Judge-Chairman.
Court is then adjourned and he is presented with an electronic tag to wear.

Fenwick is very surprised to be granted bail.

[Champagne Socialist Sharifistan]

A jury is selected of Upper-middle class Christian Munkcestrian-Sharifistanis, from the Munkcestrian Liberal Party, who came to live in a country more accepting of liberals as well as two upper-middle class Quakers.
The list is given to George Fenwick.
the Jury

1. Name: Peter Smith
Profession: Vicar
Political views:
Social liberalism, Black Lives Matter, humanitarianism, animal welfarism and utilitarianism (John Stuart Mill style)

2. Name: Providence Sunderland
Trade: Master chocolate manufacturer
Political views:
Social liberalism, industrial paternalism, abolition of the death penalty, pacifism..

3. Name: Alexander Smith
Profession: Teacher
Political views:
Social democracy, humanitarianism, against abortion except to save the life of the mother.

4.
Name: Michael Munkchester
Profession: University lecturer in Philosophy
Political views:
Liberal conservatism, classical liberalism

5.
Name: George Edwards
Profession: veterinary surgeon
Political views:
social liberalism, humanitarianism, animal welfarism

6.
Name: Fortitude Smith
Profession: Coffeehouse owner
Political views:
Pacifism, industrial paternalism, humanitarianism and animal welfarism
7.
Name: Oswald Peterson
Profession: Monk
Political views:
Christian pacifism
8.
Name: Mark Cuthbert
Profession: Paramedic
Political views:
humanitarianism, Christian socialism, and animal welfarism


9.
Name: Edward Jackson
Profession: Nurse
Political views:
Liberalism

10.
Name: Joseph Johnson
Profession: war injuries pensioner
Political views:
Liberalism, animal welfarism, abolitionism of capital punishment
11.
Name: John Marley
Profession: Accountant
Political views:
Liberalism


12.
Name: Anthony Bishop
Profession: senior civil servant
Political views:
Sharifistani nationalism

[Fenwick Foundation]

A jury is selected of Upper-middle class Christian Munkcestrian-Sharifistanis, from the Munkcestrian Liberal Party, who came to live in a country more accepting of liberals as well as two upper-middle class Quakers.
The list is given to George Fenwick.
the Jury

1. Name: Peter Smith
Profession: Vicar
Political views:
Social liberalism, Black Lives Matter, humanitarianism, animal welfarism and utilitarianism (John Stuart Mill style)

2. Name: Providence Sunderland
Trade: Master chocolate manufacturer
Political views:
Social liberalism, industrial paternalism, abolition of the death penalty, pacifism..

3. Name: Alexander Smith
Profession: Teacher
Political views:
Social democracy, humanitarianism, against abortion except to save the life of the mother.

4.
Name: Michael Munkchester
Profession: University lecturer in Philosophy
Political views:
Liberal conservatism, classical liberalism

5.
Name: George Edwards
Profession: veterinary surgeon
Political views:
social liberalism, humanitarianism, animal welfarism

6.
Name: Fortitude Smith
Profession: Coffeehouse owner
Political views:
Pacifism, industrial paternalism, humanitarianism and animal welfarism
7.
Name: Oswald Peterson
Profession: Monk
Political views:
Christian pacifism
8.
Name: Mark Cuthbert
Profession: Paramedic
Political views:
humanitarianism, Christian socialism, and animal welfarism


9.
Name: Edward Jackson
Profession: Nurse
Political views:
Liberalism

10.
Name: Joseph Johnson
Profession: war injuries pensioner
Political views:
Liberalism, animal welfarism, abolitionism of capital punishment
11.
Name: John Marley
Profession: Accountant
Political views:
Liberalism


12.
Name: Anthony Bishop
Profession: senior civil servant
Political views:
Sharifistani nationalism

Fenwick points out that some of these people may be biased.

[Champagne Socialist Sharifistan]

A jury is selected of Upper-middle class Christian Munkcestrian-Sharifistanis, from the Munkcestrian Liberal Party, who came to live in a country more accepting of liberals as well as two upper-middle class Quakers.
The list is given to George Fenwick.
the Jury

1. Name: Peter Smith
Profession: Vicar
Political views:
Social liberalism, Black Lives Matter, humanitarianism, animal welfarism and utilitarianism (John Stuart Mill style)

2. Name: Providence Sunderland
Trade: Master chocolate manufacturer
Political views:
Social liberalism, industrial paternalism, abolition of the death penalty, pacifism..

3. Name: Alexander Smith
Profession: Teacher
Political views:
Social democracy, humanitarianism, against abortion except to save the life of the mother.

4.
Name: Michael Munkchester
Profession: University lecturer in Philosophy
Political views:
Liberal conservatism, classical liberalism

5.
Name: George Edwards
Profession: veterinary surgeon
Political views:
social liberalism, humanitarianism, animal welfarism

6.
Name: Fortitude Smith
Profession: Coffeehouse owner
Political views:
Pacifism, industrial paternalism, humanitarianism and animal welfarism
7.
Name: Oswald Peterson
Profession: Monk
Political views:
Christian pacifism
8.
Name: Mark Cuthbert
Profession: Paramedic
Political views:
humanitarianism, Christian socialism, and animal welfarism


9.
Name: Edward Jackson
Profession: Nurse
Political views:
Liberalism

10.
Name: Joseph Johnson
Profession: war injuries pensioner
Political views:
Liberalism, animal welfarism, abolitionism of capital punishment
11.
Name: John Marley
Profession: Accountant
Political views:
Liberalism


12.
Name: Anthony Bishop
Profession: senior civil servant
Political views:
Sharifistani nationalism

Fenwick points out that some of these people may be biased.

Sharifistani Court of International Law, Madinat Al-Islam, Islamic Sultanate of Sharifistan
"Which ones?" asks the Judge-Chairman, thoughtfully. They were selected to be trustworthy people.
Wherever Constable Christenbread Ashleigh lives
a subpoena is issued requiring Constable Christenbread Ashleigh (father of Ed Ashleigh, formerly officer in the Munkcestrian Constabulary) to attend court and testify as a witness.

[Fenwick Foundation]

Fenwick points out that some of these people may be biased.

Sharifistani Court of International Law, Madinat Al-Islam, Islamic Sultanate of Sharifistan
"Which ones?" asks the Judge-Chairman, thoughtfully. They were selected to be trustworthy people.
Wherever Constable Christenbread Ashleigh lives
a subpoena is issued requiring Constable Christenbread Ashleigh (father of Ed Ashleigh, formerly officer in the Munkcestrian Constabulary) to attend court and testify as a witness.

"Nearly all of them are literally liberals," he says. "Emigrants from Munkchester who opposed, in case you are not aware, my democratically-elected government, and against whom credible accusations of links to international communist movements were made."

Meanwhile, Christenbread Ashleigh does not receive this subpoena because his location is unknown (even more unknown since the tragic disaster in Munkchester) and he is probably travelling the world or something.

[Champagne Socialist Sharifistan]

Sharifistani Court of International Law, Madinat Al-Islam, Islamic Sultanate of Sharifistan
"Which ones?" asks the Judge-Chairman, thoughtfully. They were selected to be trustworthy people.
Wherever Constable Christenbread Ashleigh lives
a subpoena is issued requiring Constable Christenbread Ashleigh (father of Ed Ashleigh, formerly officer in the Munkcestrian Constabulary) to attend court and testify as a witness.

"Nearly all of them are literally liberals," he says. "Emigrants from Munkchester who opposed, in case you are not aware, my democratically-elected government, and against whom credible accusations of links to international communist movements were made."

Meanwhile, Christenbread Ashleigh does not receive this subpoena because his location is unknown (even more unknown since the tragic disaster in Munkchester) and he is probably travelling the world or something.

"Nearly all of them are literally liberals," he says. "Emigrants from Munkchester who opposed, in case you are not aware, my democratically-elected government, and against whom credible accusations of links to international communist movements were made."

"They are all assessed as being of good character. What is this supposed evidence of links to communist movements?" the Judge-Chairman asked, before asking
"Do you have any objections to the defendants other than they are liberals and supposedly communist sympathisers?"
'

Meanwhile, Christenbread Ashleigh does not receive this subpoena because his location is unknown (even more unknown since the tragic disaster in Munkchester) and he is probably travelling the world or something

OOC: the Intelligence Directorate tracked him down.

[Fenwick Foundation]

"Nearly all of them are literally liberals," he says. "Emigrants from Munkchester who opposed, in case you are not aware, my democratically-elected government, and against whom credible accusations of links to international communist movements were made."

Meanwhile, Christenbread Ashleigh does not receive this subpoena because his location is unknown (even more unknown since the tragic disaster in Munkchester) and he is probably travelling the world or something.

"Nearly all of them are literally liberals," he says. "Emigrants from Munkchester who opposed, in case you are not aware, my democratically-elected government, and against whom credible accusations of links to international communist movements were made."

"They are all assessed as being of good character. What is this supposed evidence of links to communist movements?" the Judge-Chairman asked, before asking
"Do you have any objections to the defendants other than they are liberals and supposedly communist sympathisers?"
'

Meanwhile, Christenbread Ashleigh does not receive this subpoena because his location is unknown (even more unknown since the tragic disaster in Munkchester) and he is probably travelling the world or something

OOC: the Intelligence Directorate tracked him down.

"I've already explained it to you," says Fenwick. "They're biased. That's that. The good character you attribute to them is entirely separate from that fact.

OOC: How?

[Champagne Socialist Sharifistan]

"They are all assessed as being of good character. What is this supposed evidence of links to communist movements?" the Judge-Chairman asked, before asking
"Do you have any objections to the defendants other than they are liberals and supposedly communist sympathisers?"
'

OOC: the Intelligence Directorate tracked him down.

"I've already explained it to you," says Fenwick. "They're biased. That's that. The good character you attribute to them is entirely separate from that fact.

OOC: How?

"What are these supposed communist connections? That is what I am interested in, not the fact they happen to have differing political beliefs to yourself." replied the Judge-Chairman. He was growing irritated with the aspersions George Fenwick, BA was casting on the jurors.

OOC:
I don't know, wiretaps? Anyway he's subpoenaed as is Sumaya Al-Suleiman (his former slave and an alleged victim of forced marriage).

[Fenwick Foundation]

"I've already explained it to you," says Fenwick. "They're biased. That's that. The good character you attribute to them is entirely separate from that fact.

OOC: How?

"What are these supposed communist connections? That is what I am interested in, not the fact they happen to have differing political beliefs to yourself." replied the Judge-Chairman. He was growing irritated with the aspersions George Fenwick, BA was casting on the jurors.

OOC:
I don't know, wiretaps? Anyway he's subpoenaed as is Sumaya Al-Suleiman (his former slave and an alleged victim of forced marriage).

OOC: Sumaya Al-Suleiman is not Christenbread Ashleigh's 'former slave'.

[Champagne Socialist Sharifistan]

"What are these supposed communist connections? That is what I am interested in, not the fact they happen to have differing political beliefs to yourself." replied the Judge-Chairman. He was growing irritated with the aspersions George Fenwick, BA was casting on the jurors.

OOC:
I don't know, wiretaps? Anyway he's subpoenaed as is Sumaya Al-Suleiman (his former slave and an alleged victim of forced marriage).

OOC: Sumaya Al-Suleiman is not Christenbread Ashleigh's 'former slave'.

OOC: I meant Fenwick's former slave.

[Champagne Socialist Sharifistan]

"I've already explained it to you," says Fenwick. "They're biased. That's that. The good character you attribute to them is entirely separate from that fact.

OOC: How?

"What are these supposed communist connections? That is what I am interested in, not the fact they happen to have differing political beliefs to yourself." replied the Judge-Chairman. He was growing irritated with the aspersions George Fenwick, BA was casting on the jurors.

OOC:
I don't know, wiretaps? Anyway he's subpoenaed as is Sumaya Al-Suleiman (his former slave and an alleged victim of forced marriage).

"If you do not elaborate on the alleged communist connection I will charge you with one count of contempt of court for casting aspersions without citing any evidence." said the Judge-Chairman "I can adjourn the court in the time it takes for you to find a lawyer if you are unaware of how things work here." he continued. The prosecution advocate* glowered at Fenwick.


*Similar to a barrister

[Fenwick Foundation]

"What are these supposed communist connections? That is what I am interested in, not the fact they happen to have differing political beliefs to yourself." replied the Judge-Chairman. He was growing irritated with the aspersions George Fenwick, BA was casting on the jurors.

OOC:
I don't know, wiretaps? Anyway he's subpoenaed as is Sumaya Al-Suleiman (his former slave and an alleged victim of forced marriage).

"If you do not elaborate on the alleged communist connection I will charge you with one count of contempt of court for casting aspersions without citing any evidence." said the Judge-Chairman "I can adjourn the court in the time it takes for you to find a lawyer if you are unaware of how things work here." he continued. The prosecution advocate* glowered at Fenwick.


*Similar to a barrister

"Supporters of the Munkcestrian Liberals were known for many years to be supporters of communism, accusations that were credibly reported and elaborated upon in the Munkcestrian press at the time. That is the evidence. The main point, however, is not the fact they are communists: it is that they are biased."

[Champagne Socialist Sharifistan]

"If you do not elaborate on the alleged communist connection I will charge you with one count of contempt of court for casting aspersions without citing any evidence." said the Judge-Chairman "I can adjourn the court in the time it takes for you to find a lawyer if you are unaware of how things work here." he continued. The prosecution advocate* glowered at Fenwick.


*Similar to a barrister

"Supporters of the Munkcestrian Liberals were known for many years to be supporters of communism, accusations that were credibly reported and elaborated upon in the Munkcestrian press at the time. That is the evidence. The main point, however, is not the fact they are communists: it is that they are biased."

The Judge-Chairman considered this and then asked "Why would a communist want to pay compensation for the taking of so-called 'property'?" meanwhile the
Judge-Chairman waited for Christenbread Ashleigh (believed to be a police whistle-blower in that he told his son the reality of his nephew's death) and
Sumaya Al-Suleiman (one of George Fenwick's victims) to testify.

[Fenwick Foundation]

"Supporters of the Munkcestrian Liberals were known for many years to be supporters of communism, accusations that were credibly reported and elaborated upon in the Munkcestrian press at the time. That is the evidence. The main point, however, is not the fact they are communists: it is that they are biased."

The Judge-Chairman considered this and then asked "Why would a communist want to pay compensation for the taking of so-called 'property'?" meanwhile the
Judge-Chairman waited for Christenbread Ashleigh (believed to be a police whistle-blower in that he told his son the reality of his nephew's death) and
Sumaya Al-Suleiman (one of George Fenwick's victims) to testify.

"You would have to ask them that," says Fenwick, and the judge is widely perceived as having been owned with facts and logic by the former lord president. Christenbread Ashleigh, meanwhile, had not been successfully subpoenaed, as his location was still unknown to deliver a subpoena, regardless of how much wiretapping the Intelligence Directorate may have been up to. Meanwhile, in a repeat of events that happened three years ago, a "Sumaya Al-Suleiman" completely unconnected to Sumaya al-Sulaiman arrives at the court.

[Champagne Socialist Sharifistan]

The Judge-Chairman considered this and then asked "Why would a communist want to pay compensation for the taking of so-called 'property'?" meanwhile the
Judge-Chairman waited for Christenbread Ashleigh (believed to be a police whistle-blower in that he told his son the reality of his nephew's death) and
Sumaya Al-Suleiman (one of George Fenwick's victims) to testify.

"You would have to ask them that," says Fenwick, and the judge is widely perceived as having been owned with facts and logic by the former lord president. Christenbread Ashleigh, meanwhile, had not been successfully subpoenaed, as his location was still unknown to deliver a subpoena, regardless of how much wiretapping the Intelligence Directorate may have been up to. Meanwhile, in a repeat of events that happened three years ago, a "Sumaya Al-Suleiman" completely unconnected to Sumaya al-Sulaiman arrives at the court.

OOC: Why did a completely unrelated Sumaya arrive. They know her location and the royal she's married to.

[Fenwick Foundation]

"You would have to ask them that," says Fenwick, and the judge is widely perceived as having been owned with facts and logic by the former lord president. Christenbread Ashleigh, meanwhile, had not been successfully subpoenaed, as his location was still unknown to deliver a subpoena, regardless of how much wiretapping the Intelligence Directorate may have been up to. Meanwhile, in a repeat of events that happened three years ago, a "Sumaya Al-Suleiman" completely unconnected to Sumaya al-Sulaiman arrives at the court.

OOC: Why did a completely unrelated Sumaya arrive. They know her location and the royal she's married to.

OOC: the two didn't end up marrying. Also because you spelled it wrong

[Champagne Socialist Sharifistan]

The Judge-Chairman considered this and then asked "Why would a communist want to pay compensation for the taking of so-called 'property'?" meanwhile the
Judge-Chairman waited for Christenbread Ashleigh (believed to be a police whistle-blower in that he told his son the reality of his nephew's death) and
Sumaya Al-Suleiman (one of George Fenwick's victims) to testify.

"You would have to ask them that," says Fenwick, and the judge is widely perceived as having been owned with facts and logic by the former lord president. Christenbread Ashleigh, meanwhile, had not been successfully subpoenaed, as his location was still unknown to deliver a subpoena, regardless of how much wiretapping the Intelligence Directorate may have been up to. Meanwhile, in a repeat of events that happened three years ago, a "Sumaya Al-Suleiman" completely unconnected to Sumaya al-Sulaiman arrives at the court.

"All jurors shall remain in place except Mark Cuthbert due to his socialist views (he will be dismissed from the jury).
Better objections shall need be found for the others: they include a free-classical liberal with some conservative leanings, business-owners (Marx's bourgeoise),an Anglican clergyman, a senior civil servant and a former Army officer." said the Judge-Chairman.

A new juror is chosen:

Name: Edward Smith
Profession: Architect
Political views:
Apolitical due to his Christadelphian faith

[Champagne Socialist Sharifistan]

The Judge-Chairman considered this and then asked "Why would a communist want to pay compensation for the taking of so-called 'property'?" meanwhile the
Judge-Chairman waited for Christenbread Ashleigh (believed to be a police whistle-blower in that he told his son the reality of his nephew's death) and
Sumaya Al-Suleiman (one of George Fenwick's victims) to testify.

"You would have to ask them that," says Fenwick, and the judge is widely perceived as having been owned with facts and logic by the former lord president. Christenbread Ashleigh, meanwhile, had not been successfully subpoenaed, as his location was still unknown to deliver a subpoena, regardless of how much wiretapping the Intelligence Directorate may have been up to. Meanwhile, in a repeat of events that happened three years ago, a "Sumaya Al-Suleiman" completely unconnected to Sumaya al-Sulaiman arrives at the court.

The incorrect Sumaya is told she does not need to testify. The Royal Gendarmerie search the Fenwick Foundation HQ for the actual Sumaya al-Sulaiman. If she is not found the police will ask Fenwick where she is.

[Fenwick Foundation]

OOC: Following much writing on Google Docs, Azad and I are proud to present the rest of the trial.

---

The jurors are selected.

“Do you object to the Christiadelphian juror?” asks the Judge-Chairman.

“I have no objections to the new juror,” says Fenwick, who has no objections to the new juror because his objections to the other jurors were surprisingly originating - key word being originating - in fact.

Meanwhile, the police are still unable to find Sumaya al-Sulaiman. It appears that she has long since left the Fenwick headquarters.

The trial begins the next day, and George Fenwick arrives at the court with his electronic tag.

“George Oswald Cuthbert Fenwick, you are accused of murder, obstruction of justice, tyranny (as hirabah), attempted forced marriage (as hirabah), attempted sex trafficking (as hirabah) contrary to Sharifistani law, fraud contrary to Munkcestrian law, bribery contrary to Sharifistani law, tax evasion, murder as a war crime, slavery as a war crime and public display of a condemned man’s body, all contrary to international law from when Munkchester was in the World Assembly. Do you plead guilty or not guilty?”

“Not guilty.”

Several Azadistani witnesses are presented to testify as are various government officials, the judge chose to allow hearsay (second-hand testimony) of Sultan Edward Ashleigh (who had been notified) due to the fact Christenbread Ashleigh was not present to testify himself.

“Rise for the judge,” says the court clerk.

This time Fenwick rises for the judge. The jurors, police and lawyers all also rise for the judge.

“Be seated,” the court clerk says.

The jurors sit down.

“The defence may call their first witness.”

To the surprise of the court, the first defence witness is none other than the former leader of The Liberals. Going through his oaths, he gives his name: Ozzie Cuthbertson.

Fenwick’s defence lawyer stands up to begin questioning his witness.

"Mr. Cuthbertson, what was your occupation back in Munkchester?"

"I was the leader of The Liberals, the opposition to Mr. Fenwick's government."

"And can you describe Mr. Fenwick's character?"

"Whatever my political disagreements with him, I can say that I had no others. He was no tyrant, but an honourable man and personally opposed to the practice of slavery, something that far too few people have failed to appreciate over the years.”

“Thank you, I have no further questions at this time.”

“The prosecution may cross-examine the witness,” said the judge.

“What defines an ‘honourable man’ in your opinion?” asked the prosecutor.

“"What defines any honourable man?”

“Different people have different opinion” said the prosecutor, “what defines an honourable man by your definition?” he asked, again

“He acts out of love for his family and country, he is a man fair even to his enemies.”

“Did he not order the forced abortion of Munkcestrian girls as part of a long-standing campaign to ensure the Munkcestrian population is entirely male? Or the deportation of the working class?”

"I am not sure of the origins of these myths. They do not accurately describe life in Munkchester. The idea, for instance, that Fenwick ordered the deportation of a Munkcestrian working class is plainly nonsense as can be seen that during the events where Munkchester first came to international prominence, the first war with Azadistan, that same Munkcestrian working class was key to defending the city,” says Cuthbertson.

He drinks from his glass of water. “And so is the idea of ‘forced abortion’ of Munkcestrian girls, which can be disproven by the simple fact he has a niece. Her name is Georgina.”

“What is your opinion on killing prisoners of war?” asked the prosecutor. “Also, how old is Georgina?” he asked.

“She is around sixteen now, soon to be seventeen, I think. She had some international attention two years ago when she stabbed a Saranidian anti-radicalisation officer in her escape from a school in that country.”

“What are her career aspirations?” he asked.

“I don’t know, you’ll have to ask the defendant that. As for my opinion on killing prisoners of war, I think it is wrong.”

“What is your opinion on accusations that you are linked to communist movements?” the prosecutor asked Cuthbertson.

“I personally am not linked to any communist movements. I am aware that there were accusations for many years of organised communist infiltration of my party, but as leader I can tell you that it was party policy to expel any communists we discovered.”

“What is your opinion of claims that any liberal from the Munkcestrian Republic is a probable communist?” said the prosecutor.

“I disagree with those claims. Individuals who held communist beliefs, and I will repeat were expelled for that, should not be confused with the party membership as a whole.”

“What do you think would motivate someone to make those claims?” asked the prosecutor

“You would have to ask the person making those claims,” replied Cuthbertson.

“What about asking someone who knows them well, what would your attitude be to that?” asked the prosecutor

“Then you wouldn’t be asking me. I don’t know Fenwick well, but I know him well enough. We met often enough at social occasions and the sort.”

“What opinions did Fenwick express on compliance with international law?” asked the prosecutor.

“He never expressed any personal opinions on international law to me directly.”

“How would you respond to claims that George Fenwick was simply a cultural Christian and not a serious follower of his faith?” he asked.

“His religion is his private business. I never asked him about his religion.”

“So what, out of interest, do you know about him?” asked the prosecutor. “What do you think the punishment should be for rape?” he continued.

Fenwick’s attorney stands up. “Objection, your honour, the witness’s opinion on what the punishment for rape should be has no relevance to the trial.”

“Sustained!” said the judge.

“Do you know George Fenwick II’s parentage?” asked the prosecutor.

“Of course. His father is George Fenwick.”

“And was George Fenwick I married? Did he have a girlfriend?” asked the prosecutor.

“No, he was not. That depends on your definition of girlfriend.”

“Do you know what the circumstances of his conception were?” asked the prosecutor.

“It’s an open secret in Munkcestrian politics, yes,” said Cuthbertson.

“What evidence is there that George Fenwick II’s mother consented to sexual activity with George Fenwick I?” asked the prosecutor.

“It all happened way before he entered politics, and I or anyone else did not witness the relationship while it was happening. But I don’t believe it would be anything other than consensual.”

“Did you ever ask him about it?” asked the prosecutor

“No.”

“Why not?” asked the prosecutor

“It would have been impolite.”

“Hadrat (Your Honour), do I now have permission to ask the question I was forbidden from asking earlier?” asked the prosecutor.

“Yes,” replied the Judge-Chairman.

“Cuthbertson, sir, what do you think should be the punishment for rape?”

“Imprisonment.”

“What was George Fenwick’s opinion on the punishment for rape?” asked the prosecutor.

“His personal opinion?”

“Yes,” replied the prosecutor.

“Well, I remember him once remarking that they, along with nonces, should be hanged, but nothing more.”

“No further questions, Hadrat (your honour),” said the prosecutor.

“The prosecution may call their first witness,” said the Judge-Chairman.

The prosecution called their first witness: the Sultan of Sharifistan, Edward Ashleigh, son of Constable Christenbread Ashleigh, and thus half-brother of Shahid Edbert Ashleigh and of Bloodrod (a controversial nobleman).

“Your Royal Highness, how did you know that George Fenwick I killed your kinsman?” asked the prosecutor

“As Lord President of the Munkcestrian Republic, George Fenwick is ultimately accountable for the actions of the Specialist Firearms Unit responsible for the killing. I knew immediately when I heard the news of my half-nephew’s death who had authorised it,” said Sultan Ed Ashleigh. “For many years I remained under deep cover, ingratiating myself into George Fenwick II’s circle and posing as a friend. In all honesty I had planned to continue it for a while longer, but then, well, I met Khadijah.”

“And what gave you the idea that the Lord President at the time authorised the operation?” asked the prosecutor.

“That is how Munkchester works- worked. Following another unfortunate incident a while back when the headmaster turned out to be an anti-slavery activist, authorisation for a surprise exam, per the chain of command, can come from none other than the Lord President.”

“Do you know if any deaths were intended? In other words, would a 100% pass rate for this ‘exam’ have been desired or disliked by the Lord President?” asked the prosecutor

“His intentions were for the Specialist Firearms Unit to go in there, guns-blazing, knowing perfectly well that the class would be completely unprepared even ignoring the fact, which later came out, that most of them, my half-nephew not included, were skiving off school to shoplift.”

“What quarrels did your family in general or Einar in particular have with George Fenwick I or the Fenwick family?” asked the prosecutor.

“None.”

“Okay. What do you think George Fenwick I attempted to achieve with the murder? What if anything has it to do with the fact your father refused to own slaves?” asked the prosecutor.

“You are aware that George Fenwick I also refuses to own slaves? So, it has nothing to do with that. What did he attempt to achieve with the murder? What does anyone hope to achieve from authorising a ‘surprise exam’ that any reasonable person knows and indeed knew would end in the deaths of students?”

“Are you implying it was a political move aimed at state terror?” asked the prosecutor.

“No, I’m implying it was a surprise exam.”

“What is the usual motive of ‘surprise exams’?” asked the prosecutor.

“To test students, presumably, and to fail those who are killed.”

“Is it usual for policemen to participate in these exams?” asked the prosecutor.

“Only ones in the Specialist Firearms Unit.”

“What would you say if George Fenwick suggested he did not intend any deaths?” asked the prosecutor.

“I would go over there and punch him.”

“What reason was there, your Royal Highness, for the surprise exam’?” asked the prosecutor.

“The students did not meet the expectations of the school and the Munkcestrian government, who decided they were more bother than they were worth. Surprise exams are not routine, they are a surprise for a reason. As I’ve already said, even ignoring the incredibly poor preparations made by the students many fatalities would be expected from a surprise exam held so early.”

“What would you say to people who claim that the police could have conscientiously objected, your Royal Highness?” asked the prosecutor.

“How could the police have conscientiously objected? That’s not how Munkchester works- worked.”

“No further questions, hadrat,” said the prosecutor. “The defence may cross-examine the witness,” said the judge.

A confident defence attorney stood. “Your Royal Highness, do you have any evidence that the surprise exam took place for the reasons you gave, that the school and government supposedly decided they were ‘more bother than they were worth’?”

“Yes. I have the documentation here to prove it,” said Ashleigh. “These are printed emails from the office of the headmaster to that of the defendant proving those accusations,” he said, waving a folder.

Fenwick spoke for himself now, as resigned as a man could be to the fact his attorney just made a monumental fuck-up. “I don’t think we have any more questions for the witness, your honour.

“Okay,” said the Judge-Chairman. Ashleigh left the courtroom, and the prosecution was preparing to call their next witness [url=link to attempted assassination once Madrinpoor posts it]when…[/url]

DAY TWO OF THE TRIAL

The court having returned after adjourning due to the attempted assassination of Ashleigh the previous day, the prosecution were finally able to call their next witness: a former member of Azadistani law enforcement.

“What is your name?” asked the prosecutor.

“Muhammad Al-Afghani,” replied the former police officer.

“And your occupation?” asked the prosecutor.

“I used to be a police officer in War Crimes, I now own a coffeehouse,” Muhammad Al-Afghani said.

“And what war crimes did you witness?” asked the prosecutor.

“The bombing of DCI Ahmed’s house, DCI Ahmed was my boss. I also saw the body of a Captain who was stabbed to death by gang members and saw photographs of the Sultan of Azadistan’s head on a spike,” replied the former police officer.

“No further questions,” said the prosecutor

“Time for closing statements,” said the Judge-Chairman.

The prosecution had dropped the forced marriage, fraud and trafficking charges, leaving the other charges on the table.

“Evidence has been shown, and not questioned even by the defence, of the defendant taking part in murder as a conspiracy, in addition the circumstances as well as the testimony of a man of great character show the deaths were intentional. A police officer has testified to other murders, and slavery was a part of Munkcestrian politics under his rule, something he bears responsibility for whether he owned slaves or not. All these acts are tyrannical,” said the prosecutor as his closing statement

Fenwick’s attorney stood. “The prosecution has already admitted that half of their charges were bogus. What matters now is reasonable doubt, the burden of proof, and the integrity of the justice system itself. For all the evidence that the prosecution claims to have, none of it has actually been shown. They have no proof for any of their claims, and they admit it. There is no evidence that the defendant is linked to any of this. If my client is found to be guilty just because people disagree with him, justice and our justice system in particular mean nothing. The jury must follow the law and find the defendant not guilty.”

The jury deliberate and find the defendant guilty of 1st degree murder, 1st degree murders as war crimes and display of a dead body but not any of the other charges.

The jury foreman, Mr. Sunderland, reports the verdict. “Guilty of one count of first degree murder not as a war crime, one count of first degree murder as a war crime, and display of a dead body. Not guilty of all the other charges. Recommended to mercy on account of his prior good character and cooperation with the court.”

The Judge-Chairman said “You have no prior convictions. You have, however, been convicted of two murders in cold-blood: one treacherous murder with mitigating circumstances of a guest in your nation and one murder of a police officer. You are therefore sentenced to life with parole after 18 years and 6 months for the murder of Einar Harbardsson and life with parole after 35 years for the murder of Detective Chief Inspector Ahmed. To be served as consecutive sentences. It will take 53.5 years for you to be released on parole though you may be released earlier on compassionate grounds.”

With that the police officers led him to Madinat Al-Islam Maximum Security Prison.

[Champagne Socialist Sharifistan]

Madinat Al-Islam Maximum Security Prison, Madinat Al-Islam North-West, Madinat Al-Islam, Islamic Sultanate of Sharifistan
The Governor called George Fenwick into his office to discuss security arrangements, visits etcetera. The governor's name was Ahmed Yilmaz.
He was a Master of Science in Criminology and a Master of Military Science who had won a Distinguished Gallantry Medal in the Yugoslav Wars, fighting to protect the Bosnian Muslims from a genocide.
OOC: Answered your question.