11:05
Posted by Webmaster on January 7, 2008
Smillie: Expert panel’s report doesn’t list all meetings. Some people we met with were very nervous and requested anonymity about their meetings with the panel.
The prosecution is requesting to play another clip from the documentary “Blood Diamonds”. The defense is objecting to the clip being played because Smillie doesn’t appear in the clip, so the witness can’t speak to it. Pros: Clip is about the diamond industry, and the witness is qualified to say whether they are accurate. Judge Sebutinde: Why is the clip necessary - why can’t Smillie just testify to the facts if he’s an expert? Pros: visual is helpful in understanding how diamond mining works, etc.
The clip provides an overview of diamond mining worldwide, how they’re processed and traded. More than half of all diamonds are sold in the United States. History of diamond mining in Africa during the 19th century. The clip describes how diamonds are created in “kimberlite pipes” in the earth’s crust.
Pros: Question for Smillie: have you spoken with people in the diamond industry?
Smillie: Yes, extensively at all levels.
Pros: What is the World Diamond Council?
Smillie: Made up of diamond traders like DeBeers and retailers. The industry group was established to work on the Kimberly Process. NGOs meet often with members of the World Diamond Council.
Pros: Do you know the individual in the clip named Saul Goldberg?
Smillie: I don’t know him personally, but the Goldberg company is a widely respected New York diamond company.
Judge Sebutinde has just interupted to announce that the proceedings will pause now as scheduled for 25 minutes, set to resume at 11:00. With the delayed audio and video feed to the press room here, that means we’ll continue our coverage at 11:30.
