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George Ryan has ended weeks of suspense by announcing he won’t take the witness stand in his own defense at his racketeering and fraud trial.
The former governor confirmed his decision to U.S. District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer in court today. And he declined to discuss the matter further when asked by reporters.
Ryan’s defense lawyer says he urged Ryan not to testify because he doesn’t think the government has proven its case.
Attorney Dan Webb calls it ""an extremely difficult decision.""
He adds that Ryan’s co-defendant Larry Warner also won’t testify.
Ryan and Warner are charged in a 22-count indictment with racketeering, mail fraud and other offenses. Both deny that anything they did was illegal.
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