New York: An important pretrial hearing in Harvey Weinstein’s sexual assault case could play out in secret if a judge rules against news organizations fighting to keep the courtroom open.
Both the prosecution and defense have asked that Friday's hearing, which will deal with trial strategy and potential witnesses, be held behind closed doors.
Prosecutors say they want to protect Weinstein's right to a fair trial and shield the identities of women who've accused the disgraced movie mogul of wrongdoing.
Weinstein's lawyers say news coverage could taint the jury pool.
Lawyers for the news organisations, including The Associated Press and The New York Times, are due to appear before Judge James Burke before he rules. They argue that the sides haven't met a high legal standard for banning the media and the public.
If Burke decides to keep the courtroom closed, the media lawyers will likely ask that Weinstein's pretrial hearing be delayed so that they may appeal.
Weinstein, 67, is charged with raping an unidentified female acquaintance in his Manhattan hotel room in 2013 and performing a forcible sex act on a different woman in 2006.
Weinstein has denied all allegations of nonconsensual sex. He pleaded not guilty and is free on $1 million bail. His trial is scheduled to begin June 3.
Weinstein is expected to attend Friday's hearing, which will focus on a prosecution request to have some of his dozens of other accusers testify.
