Ford O’Brien Landy LLP is on trial, representing the former Finance Minister of Mozambique.
Chang’s lead defense lawyer, Adam Ford of Ford O’Brien Landy LLP, responded in his opening statement by telling the jury that they would not see any direct evidence that Chang had agreed to the bribes.
“You will not see or hear any evidence in the case that he entered into agreements to receive these bribe payments,” he said. “And you are not going to see any evidence that he received a single penny.”
He added that the maritime projects had received full government support and were intended to help bolster the country’s emerging economy after it gained independence from Portugal in 1975.
“All of [these projects were] the great pride of Mozambique. The government wanted to do this. From the highest levels. And that is why Minister Chang signed those guarantees,” he said.
