A federal judge ruled on Friday that the federal government can proceed with its case against former Bush administration official David Safavian.

Judge Paul L. Friedman dismissed a motion filed by Safavian's lawyers to dismiss the charges. Safavian claimed that federal prosecutors have failed to prove that he lied to investigators and the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.

"It is not, however, the government�s burden to demonstrate, show, or establish anything at this point; that is what trials are for," Friedman said in response.

Friedman said he expected a staff member from the Senate Indian Affairs Committee would testify at trial to explain the charges related to the committee's investigation of Jack Abramoff. Safavian was a former colleague of Abramoff's and the two maintained a close relationship after Safavain went to work for the Bush administration.

Get the Story:
Judge refuses to drop charges against Safavian (The Federal Times 5/1)

Recent Court Decisions:
April 28, 2006 | April 25, 2006

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