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victims cry
 Posted:
Wed May 10, 2006 1:02 pm |
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RefugeesUnleashed Interview with Joe Tacopina
Many Many thanks to Joe for taking the time to answer questions in a written interview with me.
1.It is well known that you don’t take every case that comes your way, what peaked your interest in this case and made you accept it?
His innocence. It took me a week and a half to take his case after being contacted by the family because I wanted to be comfortable in his innocence. Joran did not just need a lawyer to defend him in a courtroom but in the media as well, where he was being unfairly and unjustly convicted of a crime that he didn’t commit.
2.You once said that defense attorneys aren’t “judge, jury and executioner” but that you wanted to be confident in Joran’s innocence of the allegations. Why was this important for you?
For the precise reason stated above. I had to wage a media campaign to turn public opinion about Joran and I had to put my neck out on the line and not just defend him in a courtroom where every defendant is entitled to vigorous representation. I felt in this particular case that my credibility would be on the line and I actually had to believe in his innocence to go on national TV and claim his innocence.
2.There has been a massive public campaign by the family and others to convict Joran in the media for 11 months. Is part of your advocacy to turn this around?
As I stated above, that is a major part of our advocacy in representing Joran
3.What sort of cooperation are you receiving from the Aruban prosecutor and police in terms of availability to answer questions of fact in your defense? Is it as good as the cooperation Karin Janssen has given the plaintiffs attorney?
She has given us absolutely no cooperation. Primarily because we have been critical of her tactics in this investigation as well as the Aruban law enforcement of focusing only on Joran for 11 months despite the exculpatory evidence they were faced with regarding Joran; and, for failing to pursue the obvious leads that an amateur prosecutor would pursue in trying to determine the truth.
4.Information about a video that shows a girl dressed in Natalee’s clothes and shoes at the front desk of the hotel, after Joran parted from her have surfaced in the media. Have you seen this tape, is it Natalee, and has a forensic analysis of the tape been done to your knowledge? Surely this should clear Joran completely from involvement? (*Smile* short form – what do you know about this tape?)
There is such a tape and it’s in the hands of law enforcement. I cannot go into what I have personally seen or read at this time but do believe that that is a crucial piece of evidence that should have been followed up on a lot earlier.
5.The massive amount of publicity against your client for the last 11 months has irrevocably affected his life for the worse. Even if the civil lawsuit is dismissed after oral arguments on the 17th, how important is it for you to publicly clear his name, by presenting the true facts as well as making examples of those who slandered him?
It is very important which is precisely why we have conducted ourselves in the manner we have. Going on an aggressive campaign in the media to show his innocence and to actively deploy investigators to uncover facts that provide some answers to what happened on May 30th, 2005. As a defendant, we have no burden whatsoever to prove anything. And as you know Joran is not charged with any crime however, because I care greatly about this young man and his family, I intend on doing everything in my power to help him get his life back on track and to hold those accountable who have slandered Joran.
6.That leads to a follow up question. Two major pieces of misinformation in the public are a) that Joran and the Kalpoe's fingered or set up “two innocent minority security guards” and b) that Joran admitted in declarations to the police that he assaulted Natalee while she was going “in and out of consciousness”. Would you set the record straight on these two items? Is there such a statement by Joran?
a) Joran never identified two minority security guards and doesn’t know the cause for their arrest however, after the Kalpoe’s stated that those two security guards were working at the Holiday Inn on the night of May 29th, the police went to their homes to question the security guards and reported that they found stolen merchandise from hotel guests and other illegal paraphernalia which we understand to be the cause for their arrest. In any event, Joran doesn’t know these individuals, did not identify these individuals and is not responsible for their arrest.
b) There is no such statement by Joran as evidenced in Karin Janssen’s letter of October 31st, 2005, in which she states that despite the misinformation in the media, Joran has never stated that he sexually assaulted Natalie Holloway, period.
7.One of the most troubling charges in the civil lawsuit was that of prior sexual assaults and Helen Lejeuz’s affidavit saying Jane Doe would testify to that and possibly to 2 other girls as well. You clearly showed this to be false in your pleading with Jane Doe’s statement itself. Helen, as an attorney and under oath, gave the affidavit. It seems hard to believe it was just a “misunderstanding” in one interview you mentioned that Jane Doe had been pressured and offered things of value to make statements against Joran. Can you elaborate further?
We cannot elaborate further at this time however, if this case is litigated further we will present evidence regarding witness tampering.
8.Even Richard Jewel did not have such an intense media campaign against him, at least for as long as this. Was it simply that Joran was a teen in Aruba and essentially had no way to defend himself until you came aboard?
I think part of that is true, that for 10 months no one spoke on behalf of Joran and people felt comfortable going public with misstatements of fact and outright lies about him knowing no one would respond for him and thinking that there would be no ramifications for such statements. And, of course, because this case titillates the American media and public, these statements have a much larger audience than any statements against Richard Jewel did at the time of the Olympic bomb incident.
9.What is the legal basis for the inclusion of Paulus in the civil lawsuit? How can he be responsible for his son’s actions at the age of 17?
We believe there is absolutely no legal basis for his inclusion in the lawsuit. That will be a separate motion to dismiss in the event that the case is not dismissed after the May 17th hearing. The Plaintiff’s have misapplied the law in that regard.
10. What message or information would you like to get out, that I haven’t asked you about this case?
We intend on fighting to clear Joran’s name and, we will sustain our journey until its conclusion.
Last edited by victims cry on Fri May 12, 2006 11:01 am; edited 2 times in total
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On Vacation!
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| prolific
Posted:
Wed May 10, 2006 1:09 pm |
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WOW! Thanks VC. I have every confidence in Joe. Contrary to what many bashers say Joe didn't need to take this case for money or publicity. He took this case because of his beliefs and he is going to fight til the end. I applaud him.
Last edited by prolific on Wed May 10, 2006 1:14 pm; edited 2 times in total
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Location: Living happily in my "clueless" little world.
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| Katie
Posted:
Wed May 10, 2006 1:09 pm |
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I think I'm in love 
Thank-you Joe and VC
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| Clarice_Starling
Posted:
Wed May 10, 2006 1:11 pm |
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Thanks for the great interview.
Joe is going to chew and spit out all involved in this case.
Fava beans, anyone? 
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| lushus
Posted:
Wed May 10, 2006 1:11 pm |
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 WOW
Thanks vc .. Great interview, BTW!
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Location: Oo(^.^)y-~~ smokin\'
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| justamom
Posted:
Wed May 10, 2006 1:12 pm |
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Thanks VC! Great interview.
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justaMILF
Joined: 24 Mar 2006
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| KLeigh
Posted:
Wed May 10, 2006 1:12 pm |
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Woooo......hoooo Thanks so much VC!!! and Joe. I just read it and now I'm going back to read it again! Now I'm excited for the 17th and if Beth's going to be in town it will be all the better. Can't wait to see her face after the hearing.
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| victims cry
Posted:
Wed May 10, 2006 1:12 pm |
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Im no reporter  so the questions were not great, but I did my best.
On the other hand, that Joe took the time to answer them, speaks volumes of what a terrific person he is, and how hard he works for his clients.
We are truly grateful that he did.
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On Vacation!
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| KLeigh
Posted:
Wed May 10, 2006 1:14 pm |
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| victims cry wrote: | Im no reporter so the questions were not great, but I did my best.
On the other hand, that Joe took the time to answer them, speaks volumes of what a terrific person he is, and how hard he works for his clients.
We are truly grateful that he did. |
Your questions were great VC!
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| gagal_05
Posted:
Wed May 10, 2006 1:18 pm |
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Great interview!
I am so encouraged about the 17th!
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**Deactivated**
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| Isanah
Posted:
Wed May 10, 2006 1:21 pm |
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Great interview VC! It doesn't give any new information but it sure does validate Joe T's sincere belief for the need to vindicate and provide justice for Joran! I only hope that Joe T. publicly brings Beth off those podiums and makes her accountable for her continued lies and all the misinformation that she spews! It is pathetic that an American LE agency supports Beth by promoting this Safe Travel campaign within our high schools! How can any LE support how Beth has repeatedly made absolute remarks about Joran's guilt without any proof of a crime being committed! Beth needs to be brought down, it is the "right" thing to do based on principle and dignity within our American justice system! No one should be able to do what she has done and continues to do, especially not in a country built upon and based on one's civil rights!
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| SavannahStar
Posted:
Wed May 10, 2006 1:23 pm |
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Way to go!
WE rock!
VC rocks!
Joe T. rocks!
I am VERY VERY VERY proud!
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**SuperStar**
Joined: 24 Mar 2006
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Location: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
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| portia
Posted:
Wed May 10, 2006 1:24 pm |
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[quote="victims cry"]Im no reporter so the questions were not great, but I did my best. quote]
On the contrary, VC! Your questions were thoughtful, eloquent, and just leading enough to get thorough, non-evasive answers. Thank you for sharing this with the Refugees.
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| refugee_lurker
Posted:
Wed May 10, 2006 1:24 pm |
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| victims cry wrote: | Im no reporter so the questions were not great, but I did my best.
On the other hand, that Joe took the time to answer them, speaks volumes of what a terrific person he is, and how hard he works for his clients.
We are truly grateful that he did. |
Great interview! I can't think of anything else to ask right now. I hope you do it again in a few weeks, maybe after the case goes in front of the judge.
I think it is a good idea to have one person asks the questions, so Joe isn't inundated with emails from all of us asking the same questions.
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| victims cry
Posted:
Wed May 10, 2006 1:24 pm |
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I am so happy that no matter how quiet it "seems', the fight for the truth will go on.
We all felt discouraged recently and its great to know how far he will go for his client.
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On Vacation!
Joined: 22 Mar 2006
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| Clarice_Starling
Posted:
Wed May 10, 2006 1:29 pm |
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VC -- This is a great informing interview.
#4 -- It appears that perhaps the FBI will be paying FEB a visit in the near future.
Now it makes sense as to why she is not listed among the Brookie witnesses for the plaintiffs.
Brian Riser
Nancy Watson
Ariel Bitran
Dewi Billano
Katherine Brown
David Thorpe
Edward Urban Kissel IV
Elizabeth Cain
Madison Whatley
Haley Uncapher
It should be noted that out of these ten witnesses, five of them have gone on record with their FBI interviews as stating they "never saw Holloway with anyone other than fellow Mountain Brook students".
I've always found it curious that FEB and Ruth McVay were not testifying in behalf of the plaintiffs.
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| gagal_05
Posted:
Wed May 10, 2006 1:29 pm |
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| Isanah wrote: | | Great interview VC! It doesn't give any new information but it sure does validate Joe T's sincere belief for the need to vindicate and provide justice for Joran! I only hope that Joe T. publicly brings Beth off those podiums and makes her accountable for her continued lies and all the misinformation that she spews! It is pathetic that an American LE agency supports Beth by promoting this Safe Travel campaign within our high schools! How can any LE support how Beth has repeatedly made absolute remarks about Joran's guilt without any proof of a crime being committed! Beth needs to be brought down, it is the "right" thing to do based on principle and dignity within our American justice system! No one should be able to do what she has done and continues to do, especially not in a country built upon and based on one's civil rights! |
Speaking of the principle of our American justice system -
From Gretawire - too bad she did not apply this same principle when speaking of J2K and why did she allow Beth to come on with her false accusations and never say one word!
The panel also — as in every investigation — wants to remind the viewers that an accused is presumed innocent. That is not something the panel made up — that is part of our Constitution. Sometimes accused persons are guilty and sometimes an accused is the subject of false accusations and even a vendetta. Accusations are not legal evidence — you need more in court. When someone might appear strange to another, it is easier to be seduced by accusations and believe them to be true without evidence or fact. Bottom line: evidence is needed. If Warren Jeffs sexually molested anyone, he needs to be in prison for a long time.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,194952,00.html
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| cajun
Posted:
Wed May 10, 2006 1:34 pm |
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Great interview VC, and you asked one of my nagging questions about the HI tape of Natalee after Joran left her.
I wish ALE would just release the damn thing, either it's Natalee in the same clothes she had on earlier or it's not her. Sure would put an end to the charade that has been coming out of MB for the last friggin' year.
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| Alvin
Posted:
Wed May 10, 2006 1:36 pm |
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| Clarice_Starling wrote: | VC -- This is a great informing interview.
#4 -- It appears that perhaps the FBI will be paying FEB a visit in the near future.
Now it makes sense as to why she is not listed among the Brookie witnesses for the plaintiffs.
Brian Riser
Nancy Watson
Ariel Bitran
Dewi Billano
Katherine Brown
David Thorpe
Edward Urban Kissel IV
Elizabeth Cain
Madison Whatley
Haley Uncapher
It should be noted that out of these ten witnesses, five of them have gone on record with their FBI interviews as stating they "never saw Holloway with anyone other than fellow Mountain Brook students".
I've always found it curious that FEB and Ruth McVay were not testifying in behalf of the plaintiffs. |
LOL Whats this ? 
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** Banned **
Joined: 24 Mar 2006
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| Isanah
Posted:
Wed May 10, 2006 1:37 pm |
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| gagal_05 wrote: | | Isanah wrote: | | Great interview VC! It doesn't give any new information but it sure does validate Joe T's sincere belief for the need to vindicate and provide justice for Joran! I only hope that Joe T. publicly brings Beth off those podiums and makes her accountable for her continued lies and all the misinformation that she spews! It is pathetic that an American LE agency supports Beth by promoting this Safe Travel campaign within our high schools! How can any LE support how Beth has repeatedly made absolute remarks about Joran's guilt without any proof of a crime being committed! Beth needs to be brought down, it is the "right" thing to do based on principle and dignity within our American justice system! No one should be able to do what she has done and continues to do, especially not in a country built upon and based on one's civil rights! |
Speaking of the principle of our American justice system -
From Gretawire - too bad she did not apply this same principle when speaking of J2K and why did she allow Beth to come on with her false accusations and never say one word!
The panel also — as in every investigation — wants to remind the viewers that an accused is presumed innocent. That is not something the panel made up — that is part of our Constitution. Sometimes accused persons are guilty and sometimes an accused is the subject of false accusations and even a vendetta. Accusations are not legal evidence — you need more in court. When someone might appear strange to another, it is easier to be seduced by accusations and believe them to be true without evidence or fact. Bottom line: evidence is needed. If Warren Jeffs sexually molested anyone, he needs to be in prison for a long time.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,194952,00.html |
Apparently Greta's views on spewing accusations only pertains to American's as suspects in a crime! If this whole case wasn't so evil as to how Joran has been portrayed in the media, it would make a funny SNL skit to contrast how the media conducts themselves in the Duke case verses the NH case!  Where's Rohn I think this would make a good interview subject cable news hosts talking about Joran as opposed to the Duke rape suspects!
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| Schmerty
Posted:
Wed May 10, 2006 1:41 pm |
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:luvu: 
Thank you for your wonderful interview & for sharing JoeT answers. I feel such confidence when he speaks....to the point & decisively!
Be patient every one. We have the best on our side. Justice for Joran!. Peace for Natalee where ever she may be! 
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Skipping along my own path.
Joined: 24 Mar 2006
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| Clarice_Starling
Posted:
Wed May 10, 2006 1:43 pm |
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| Alvin wrote: | | Clarice_Starling wrote: | VC -- This is a great informing interview.
#4 -- It appears that perhaps the FBI will be paying FEB a visit in the near future.
Now it makes sense as to why she is not listed among the Brookie witnesses for the plaintiffs.
Brian Riser
Nancy Watson
Ariel Bitran
Dewi Billano
Katherine Brown
David Thorpe
Edward Urban Kissel IV
Elizabeth Cain
Madison Whatley
Haley Uncapher
It should be noted that out of these ten witnesses, five of them have gone on record with their FBI interviews as stating they "never saw Holloway with anyone other than fellow Mountain Brook students".
I've always found it curious that FEB and Ruth McVay were not testifying in behalf of the plaintiffs. |
LOL Whats this ? |
That appears to be Mr. Kissel's given name.
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| Alvin
Posted:
Wed May 10, 2006 1:49 pm |
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``
Last edited by Alvin on Wed May 10, 2006 2:28 pm; edited 1 time in total
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** Banned **
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| charlierat
Posted:
Wed May 10, 2006 1:51 pm |
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Thank you, VC and thank you, Joe T. That was awesome!
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** Banned **
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Location: If you don't know by now, don't mess with it.
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| Siddalee
Posted:
Wed May 10, 2006 1:55 pm |
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Thank you very much, VC and Joe T. Hopefully this thoughtful interview will be shared with others. There are many people - media as well as bloggers and message board posters - who should really be ashamed of what they have done to innocent people simply by following the lead of Beth et al instead of thinking for themselves.
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Ya-Ya!
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