Menendez’s partners explain their plan to avoid punishment in corruption trial.
Defense attorneys for Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, co-defendants of Senator Bob Menendez in a corruption case, argued on Thursday that the prosecution’s case is based on guilt by association. Lawrence Lustberg, Hana’s attorney, emphasized to the jury that the charges against his client are rooted in criminalizing friendships, gift-giving, and business successes.
Lustberg highlighted the close relationship between Hana and Menendez’s wife, Nadine, describing it as supportive and caring. He portrayed their bond as one of mutual assistance through emotional and financial support, debunking any claims of corruption.
The defense team urged the jury to consider cultural norms regarding gift-giving, particularly in the context of Middle Eastern practices like exchanging gold bars. They emphasized that loans provided by Hana to the Menendez family were not bribes but legitimate forms of financial aid that were repaid accordingly.
Cesar De Castro, representing Fred Daibes, echoed similar sentiments about the presumption of innocence and underscored the importance of long-standing friendships and legitimate investments in their defense strategy. He portrayed Daibes as a generous individual who invests in his loved ones, dismissing allegations of bribery as innocent gestures.
While all three defendants have pleaded not guilty, co-defendant Jose Uribe, who pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against the others, will not testify immediately. Nadine Menendez’s trial has been postponed due to her ongoing battle with Stage 3 breast cancer, delaying proceedings by several months.
This case marks the second time in a decade that Senator Menendez has faced federal corruption charges. The latest indictment alleges obstruction of justice and involvement in a bribery scheme with the governments of Egypt and Qatar, including accepting bribes to benefit the Egyptian government through his political influence.
