Uppermost Cort Rules Exodees Can't Be Tried

Florencia (EB) - The Uppermost Cort ruled yesterday that the 10 exodees of June 1 cannot be tried for treason under Talossan law.

With Attorney General Ben Madison out of the country on holiday, Prime Minister Quedéir Castiglhâ appointed Marc Moisan as Special Counsel to determine the legal issues involved with the exodees seceding to set up their own state. After review, Mr. Moisan decided to charge the exodees with treason under the Dual Citizenships Act. Mr. Moisan confirmed with Secretary of State Martì Páir Furxhéir that the exodees had not in fact renounced their citizenship before issuing their proclamation of independence from the Kingdom.

"I'm assuming that Mr. Moisan used that Act because it was explicit, whereas while the Organic Law states the legal procedure involved, it doesn't specify any penalty," said PM Castiglhâ.

After reviewing Mr. Moisan's indictment, Justices Oplinger and Jahn made their statements. "I'm not comfortable with your premise here," said Justice Oplinger. "As far as I can tell, these individuals are not claiming dual citizenship, they have renounced their Talossan citizenship all together." Justice Oplinger further stated he saw no violation on the grounds that Mr. Moisan outlined, and declared the indictment inorganic. Justice Jahn further stated that since the individuals were no longer citizens, they were beyond the jurisdiction of the Cort.

"I thought we had a case, but the Cort thought otherwise," said PM Castiglhâ. "We of course respect their opinion, and we will move on."

With the hearing over, Mr. Moisan resigned as Special Counsel, saying his job was done. The PM had this to say: "I thank Marc for his hard work. He has quickly established himself as a Talossan legal expert, and is to be commended for it."