More On Siegelman’s Release Pending Appeal, Possible HJC Testimony

Just hours after the House Judiciary Committee asked the DOJ to release former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman under guard to allow him to testify before Congress in May (Montgomery Advertiser, AP) — a move brought about by the DOJ’s refusal to cooperate with the HJC — the US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit on Thursday granted Siegelman’s motion for release on bond pending appeal, finding that his appeal raises substantial questions of law or fact. Since this issue had twice before been remanded to district court, the decision can be viewed as a direct repudiation of US District Court Judge Mark Fuller’s actions. Siegelman may be released as early as today (NYT (with link to order), AP). Scott Horton at Harper’s has editorial commentary here. In related news, the 11th Circuit has has given attorneys for Siegelman and HealthSouth founder Richard Scrushy until May 23 to file appellate briefs. Siegelman’s attorney Vince Kilborn estimated oral arguments on the case could be heard in late 2008 (AP).