U.S.

Special Counsel Requests Immunity For 5 Witnesses

The witnesses may be asked to testify in Paul Manafort's upcoming trial.

Special Counsel Requests Immunity For 5 Witnesses
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Special counsel Robert Mueller and his team have filed an immunity request for five witnesses. Those people may be called on to testify during Paul Manafort's trial. 

The five witnesses have not been named publicly, and they haven't been charged in Mueller's investigation. 

According to the filing, prosecutors say the witnesses will not testify over concerns about self-incrimination. Mueller's team is requesting immunity for them in hopes they testify. 

Prosecutors also want motions for each witness to remain sealed until they testify. The memorandum states prosecutors want to hide their identities to prevent exposure to "undue harassment."

It's not clear how these witnesses may be tied to Manafort. Politico reports people who know about Manafort's spending habits and financial dealings may be among those called to testify. The former Trump campaign chairman faces a number of charges including fraud, money laundering and obstruction of justice.