[Lauchenoiria]

When Irene Sheridan had begun her career in law, she had never anticipated having to defend a former President of Kerlile. When she had spoken to President Greenwood back in Kerlile, she had been in awe, but was also fully aware of the responsibility she had.

“Yes, I am representing several, though not all, of the Kerlians accused. Your honour, my client Joanna Greenwood is not guilty of the charges laid out by my Lauchenoirian counterpart. As I laid out earlier, torture and mistreatment of prisoners did not happen in Kerlile, so President Greenwood could not have condoned something which did not happen.

However, let us suppose torture and mistreatment did take place. There is absolutely no evidence that it was widespread, or state-sanctioned. Indeed, the reports Greenwood received on the treatment of prisoners all suggested they were being treated well. If these reports were false, my client was unaware.

At no point did President Greenwood order the torture or murder of any prisoners. If any such things happened, it was without her knowledge or permission, and if she had known, she would have put an immediate stop to it.”

Sheridan took her seat, smiling at Tomás Arenas, who appeared disconcerted to see a Kerlian woman initiate eye contact with him – which was, of course, her goal.