LODJAIN TERRORIST SYMPATHISER ON TRIAL The trial of a Lodjain government minister is due to begin tomorrow. Lady Anna Utkin, the Lodjain Minister for Social Affairs was arrested two days ago and charged with a range of offenses listed below.
1) Helping Fund Terrorist Organisations - As a member of the Lodjain Conclave she voted to give funds to an organisation known as the East Moreland Aircraft Company, known for supplying terrorists with weapons of mass destruction. Furthermore she gave a known terrorist organisation, namely the "Red Legion" of the supposed Kingdom of East Moreland, training facilities within their nation, effectively permitting a terrorist training camp.
2)Aiding a Terrorist Organisation - She has willingly put members of the Lodjain military under the command of a terrorist organisation, namely the aforementioned Red Legion.
3)Providing Shelter for a Fugitive - In that as Minister of Social Affairs she has responsibility for housing in Lodja and has on several occasions given the terrorist leader David Ironside shelter in Lodja willingly.
The court will meet tomorrow morning when the trial shall formally begin. In keeping with Borland law however it has been agreed between the judges and the King that should Lady Anna plead guilty an out of court settlement can be offered which would see no trial and Lady Anna set free. King Kyle explained, "We are a just nation, unlike the false government of East Moreland we do not execute new mothers, murder babies and separate children from their families. We understand that Lady Anna comes from humble beginnings in Lodja and has done well to raise to her current position and for that she is deserving of respect. The good works she has undertaken make me believe that deep down she is a good person. It is sad to say however Lodja's social structure means someone like Lady Anna is always easily manipulated by those who by fortune of birth are granted great power and little true responsibility to their people. As such I instructed my prosecutors to offer her this deal, it is my sincere hope that she takes it, accepts the conditions attached and we can put this whole incident behind us."
The King has asked Lady Anna to publically admit her crimes and apologise. Should that happen and compensating measures take place Lady Anna would be released and would be free to return to Lodja. However should a trial take place and Lady Anna be found guilty she would face the death penalty. A jury of 12 individuals randomly selected will listen to the evidence and should all 12 find her guilty the judge would be able to pass a death sentence which would be carried out by hanging. King Kyle addressed this, "I pray in some ways that she is innocent and even if guilty just one person may see some innocence in her, I fear a guilty verdict would bring the death penalty and I would feel duty bound to my people to stand by the sentence given even though I feel Lady Anna is a victim of her circumstances."
The trial will be televised around the world on the International Borland News YouTube channel and is likely to last several days.