The Adversary Read Online Free

that their case would, if anything, be strengthened by this anonymity, had raised no objections.
    Tsengel seemed to gather his wits. “In so far as I can,” he concluded. “I have consulted with my superiors,” he said. “Our position remains the same. We have run into some difficulties with our evidence. We would ideally like to seek an adjournment to see if these can be resolved.”
    â€œAnd are you now able to specify the proposed length of this adjournment?”
    Tsengel hesitated, and then glanced across at Nyamsuren, who was sitting, apparently relaxed, next to the accused. “Well, we do not believe that we are able to resolve our difficulties unless we obtain a substantial adjournment. A matter of weeks, at least.”
    Judge Radnaa nodded slowly and then glanced over at Nyamsuren. “I take it that your client’s position has not changed in respect of such an adjournment?” she said.
    Nyamsuren nodded and rose languidly to his feet. “I am sure you appreciate our position, madam.” He glanced back at his client, who was still staring fixedly at the table, his shaven head bowed forward.
    â€œIndeed.” She looked back at Tsengel. “And on this occasion I can only agree that the defense counsel’s position is entirely reasonable. I can see that you have some difficulties, Mr. Tsengel, though I confess I am ata loss to understand precisely what they might be. But I think that the defense also has the right to assume that, particularly in a trial of this nature, the State Prosecutor’s Office will be fully prepared before the case reaches court.”
    Tsengel looked as if a literal burden had been dropped on to his shoulders. He nodded, miserably. “I understand,” he said. “My instructions are that, if it should not prove possible to obtain the kind of adjournment we are seeking, the State Prosecutor’s Office wishes to confirm that it has no further evidence to offer. In short, there is no case to answer.”
    Judge Radnaa stared at him for a moment. “In formal terms,” she said, “the trial has commenced. I do not believe, therefore, that we are in a position simply to dismiss the case.”
    Nyamsuren rose. “If you will permit me, madam?” he said. “My client has been charged with an extremely serious offense, as well as being the victim of a continuous stream of unsubstantiated innuendo. In the interests of my client’s reputation, I think it is essential that the verdict is reached on the basis of the evidence that has been presented—”
    â€œOr, to be precise, not presented,” Judge Radnaa said.
    â€œAs you say, madam. But I believe that, given the seriousness of the charge, a clear verdict is needed in order to remove any doubts about Mr. Muunokhoi’s position.”
    â€œI can only agree with you, Mr. Nyamsuren.” The judge looked across at her colleagues and the citizen’s representatives. “We will withdraw and consider our verdict, though I imagine it will not take us long.” Shepaused. “In the circumstances, I presume that the defense has no further evidence to offer?”
    Nyamsuren glanced over at Tsengel, who was now sitting staring blankly at the floor. “We had of course prepared a thorough defense. However, in the absence of a prosecution case, I think this is now superfluous.”
    â€œAs you say, Mr. Nyamsuren. Very well. We will consider our verdict and then reconvene in—” She glanced at the clock on the far wall of the courtroom. Its convex glass face, she noticed, perfectly enclosed the reflected image of the Mongolian flag that dominated the wall behind the bench. “Well, I do not think we will require more than thirty minutes.”
    She rose and strode purposefully out of the room, followed by the team of junior judges and citizens’ representatives. The door closed behind them, and the courtroom was silent.