Judge withdraws from UN gang murder conspiracy trial

Judge withdraws from UN gang murder conspiracy trial: "In a surprise move, the trial judge hearing the UN gang murder conspiracy case announced on Monday morning that he was withdrawing from the file.

B.C. Supreme Court Justice Arne Silverman made a brief appearance in a Vancouver courtroom and told the lawyers in the case that his decision is related to a document filed by the Crown last week following the laying of new charges.

The judge said that something in the short document, which was sealed by the court, made a connection with something from his practice as a defence lawyer six years ago.

“While I’m certain that that connection would not affect my ability to be impartial, if I am to continue as trial judge, I’m satisfied it might give the appearance of doing so,” said the judge."

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