In a significant move to uphold transparency within the judicial system, a Utah judge has mandated the release of a transcript from a private hearing held in October. The hearing focused on whether Tyler Robinson, the man accused of murdering Charlie Kirk, should be restrained during court proceedings.

Judge Tony Graf emphasized that public transparency is a cornerstone of the judiciary, leading to his decision to disclose the details of the October 24 hearing. Media organizations, including The Associated Press, had advocated for access to the proceedings. They argued that the hearing was notably significant as it marked the initial suggestion by defense attorneys to potentially ban cameras in the courtroom.

Tyler Robinson faces charges of aggravated murder following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10 at Utah Valley University in Orem. Prosecutors have announced their intention to pursue the death penalty. Robinson has yet to enter a plea regarding the charges.

The 97-page transcript, made public on Monday, reveals that Robinson’s defense team expressed concerns about the potential bias against their client. They argued that images and videos of Robinson in shackles and prison attire could unfairly influence future jurors. His attorney, Richard Novak, asserted that restricting cameras would be a straightforward measure for the court to implement, thereby reducing the risk of prejudicial visuals.

“We’re not litigating this case in the press,” Novak stated during the October 24 hearing, underscoring the defense’s stance on maintaining the fairness of the trial process.

The transcript contained limited redactions to remove discussions of security protocols in the closely watched case. Graf also ordered the release of an audio recording of the hearing, again with redactions.

Robinson was not present in court Monday and appeared via audio feed from the Utah County Jail.

Graf has not ruled on the defense’s suggestion to ban cameras, but he has implemented other limitations.

Days after the closed-door hearing, Graf ruled that Robinson could wear civilian clothes in pretrial hearings but must also wear restraints to ensure the safety of court staff and Robinson himself. Utah court rules require defendants who are in custody to be restrained or supervised at all times unless otherwise ordered.

Graf also prohibited media outlets from publishing photos, videos and live broadcasts that show Robinson’s restraints to help protect his presumption of innocence before a trial.

The judge briefly stopped a media livestream of a hearing earlier this month and ordered the camera be moved after Robinson’s attorneys said the stream showed the defendant’s shackles. Graf said he would terminate future broadcasts if there were further violations.

Lawyers for the media wrote in recent filings that an open court “safeguards the integrity of the fact-finding process” while fostering public confidence in judicial proceedings. Criminal cases in the U.S. have long been open to the public, which the attorneys argued is proof that trials can be conducted fairly without restricting reporters.

In a separate ruling Monday, Graf denied a request from attorneys for the media who sought to intervene in the case. The judge said members of the press do not need to be formal parties in the proceedings to access court records.

Still, Graf said the involved publications must be notified of future requests to close hearings or restrict access to court filings.

Prosecutors are expected to lay out their case against Robinson at a preliminary hearing scheduled to begin May 18. ___

Brown reported from Billings, Montana.