Judge Osborn rules on Maj Hasan’s motion to represent himself

UPDATE: With correction of rank for Lt. Col. Kris Poppe.

FORT HOOD, Texas -- In the case of U.S. vs. Maj. Nidal M. Hasan, Judge Col. Tara Osborn heard testimony by Army physician Maj. Prasad Lakshminarasimhiah, M.D.M.C.,  [LUCK- SCHME-NARA-SIM-HIYA] staff physiatrist , Headquarters and Headquarters Company, San Antonio Military Medical Center, South, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, as to Hasan’s ability to handle the physical strain of representing himself during his upcoming trial. 

Hasan was injured during the Nov. 5, 2009, shooting incident and has since been confined to a wheelchair. 

Osborn found him physically and mentally capable capable of defending himself. She ruled in favor of his motion to waive defense counsel and defend himself, approving his motion to act pro se. 

The judge further ruled that defense counsel Lt. Col. Kris Poppe and Maj. Joseph Marcee may continue to act as stand-by counsel and will sit with Hasan throughout the trial. 

Hasan specifically requested that Lt. Col. Christopher Martin be removed from the defense team; however, Osborn ruled he will continue as stand-by counsel and will sit in the gallery.

The accused, Hasan, is innocent until or unless he is proven guilty.