Chinese comedian Zhou Libo's lawyer to file motion to dismiss charges

Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-28 01:02:20|Editor: Lifang

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U.S.-NASSAU COUNTY-CHINA-COMEDIAN-ZHOU LIBO-PRELIMINARY HEARING

Chinese comedian Zhou Libo (C) speaks to the media before the second preliminary hearing in Nassau County Court in Nassau County, New York, the United States, March 27, 2018. The Nassau County Court in New York in eastern coast state of New York on Monday resumed preliminary hearing of the case of Chinese comedian Zhou Libo, who is facing weapon and drug charges. With no further witness being summoned, the judge declared the court would resume on May 9. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

NEW YORK, March 27 (Xinhua) -- The Nassau County Court in New York in eastern coast state of New York on Monday resumed preliminary hearing of the case of Chinese comedian Zhou Libo, who is facing weapon and drug charges.

With no further witness being summoned, the judge declared the court would resume on May 9.

Defendant lawyer, Stephen Scaring, said after the hearing that they will submit a brief to the court to file a motion to dismiss.

"We reviewed the transcript of the testimony that has taken place, and it's clear to us that they cannot make a case, and so rather than burden the court with witnesses that are not necessary, we want to now submit a brief to the court outlining our position, and why the judge must suppress all of the evidence and ultimately the case be dismissed," said Scaring.

He also added that Mr Zhou's DNA was not on the gun, nor was it on the bag with the alleged narcotic drugs in it.

Zhou, together with his wife and lawyers, appeared at the hearing session Monday. Zhou is charged with illegal possession of a handgun, possession of a controlled substance identified as crystal methamphetamine and driving while using a cellphone.

On Jan. 19, 2017, Zhou Libo was stopped by police in the town of Lattingtown, New York, for his abnormal driving behavior. The police later found a black pistol holster, a pistol and a loaded magazine, and two transparent plastic bags containing drugs in his vehicle.

Zhou was arrested on the spot and was released on bail the next day.

Zhou Libo is a Chinese talkshow host and comedian. He became the first non-musical Chinese artist to perform at the Carnegie Hall in New York in July 2016.