Well it appears as if the government's case against Conrad Black is as hollow as Lord Black stated from the start. The prosecutions star rat David Radler was turned inside out by Black's attorney Eddie Greenspan.

David Radler, who turned government witness in exchange for a sweet-heart deal where he'd serve a short sentence in a Canadian country club. The problem with this strategy is that Conrad Black and crew committed no crimes, and the only criminal amongst the group was in fact David Radler.

During cross-examination this week, Greenspan forced Radler to admit to lying to a Canadian court. It also turns out that the non-compete agreements that are at the center of this trial, benifitted Radler financially more than Black and all the other defendants combined.

What is truly astonishing about this case, is that the prosecution was so hell-bent on nailing Black for a crime he didn't commit, that they turned Radler, who was the only criminal amongst the group.

Peter Worthington notes that the revelation that Radler lied to a court in B.C. may void his plea deal with the prosecution. Furthermore, Radler may have opened himself up to further charges of perjury in Canada.

The chances of Conrad Black testifying in his own defense are very low now. The defense has made it clear that Black et al were on the up and up, and that the only crime committed was by Radler. In this light, if Conrad Black were to take the stand it may add legitimacy to the charges, which now appear largely unfounded.

Labels: Lord Conrad Black