IDOG

Public documents were sealed from community sight this week in the murder case against Iranian refugee Majid Kolestani.

Kolestani, 43 – a man who identifies as a woman and also goes by the first name Nastaran – is accused of shooting 29-year-old Iranian refugee Ehsan Velayati Kababian to death in his car along Fifth Avenue East in Twin Falls on Aug. 25. Friends of the pair say possible motive is jealousy over a woman Kababian may have been romancing in Iran.

From the Times-News

Fifth District Court Judge Jason Walker said Friday that he closed a status hearing on the commitment of an accused murderer “to preserve the defendant’s right to a fair trial,” even though prior proceedings related to the man’s mental competency have been held in open court during the 9-month-old criminal case.

From the Times-News

JEROME – Fifth District Court Judge Jason Walker Thursday shut the public out of a criminal hearing in a first-degree murder case without saying if 73-year-old Fortino Leon is mentally fit to stand trial or why he was sealing the case.

From the Times-News

An attorney for the former director of the Idaho Falls-based Family
Care Center believes notes from a Post Register reporter could help
his client’s case.

From the Idaho Falls Post Register

Idaho Gov. Butch Otter has signed into law legislation revamping and strengthening Idaho’s Open Meeting Law.

The bill, SB 1142, sponsored by Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden, passed the Senate unanimously and the House on a 59-10 vote. It was endorsed by an array of media, civic and local government groups, including IDOG.

BOISE – A bill that would put teeth in Idaho’s Open Meeting Law is on its way for Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s signature, despite opposition Wednesday from a handful of House members.

From the Twin Falls Times-News

Blaine County Prosecutor Jim Thomas and Twin Falls County Prosecutor Grant Loebs owe the public an explanation as to why they are automatically disqualifying Fifth District Judge Robert Elgee from hearing any and all felony criminal cases that originate in their counties.

Editorial from the Idaho Mountain Express

Idaho’s open meetings law just got a little tougher under Senate Bill 1142, which passed the House on a 59-10 vote on Wednesday and now goes to Gov. Butch Otter.

Under the bill, boards, councils and commissions could face fines of $50 if they make a simple mistake and close a meeting or alter an agenda without proper action. They could correct a mistake afterward to avoid the fine.

From the Idaho Statesman

A Statesman reporter was denied entry to the brief closed caucus held Tuesday, but Caucus Chairman Bill Killen later apologized and said the party’s open-door policy has not changed.

From the Idaho Statesman