Steve Bannon finally caved and agreed to be summoned to testify before the Jan6 committee.
But only if it is live and televised.
Crazy like a fox that guy.
Smart move. Unfortunately those that do get deposed/testify are at a disadvantage. The committee will not allow them to record their own testimony, (video or audio), and will not provide them with the transcript of the testimony. If, for some reason they are indicted for lying to the committee or some other charges related to their testimony the committee can, and have, refused to provide the transcript/video/audio other than the portion that they claim were part of the “crime”. The claim, and courts have agreed, that these documents/recordings are protected from subpoenas under sovereign immunity and attorney/client work products.
If it was me and I had a great attorney, (pro bono hopefully), I would agree to the deposition, under subpoena only, but demand that I be allowed to video tape it and also have a copy of the official transcript before I would testify. Upon the committee’s denial of my demand I would immediately file a suit in federal court for 1st, 4th and 5th amendment violations.
The reasoning is that things said during the testimony can be taken out of context, edited or manufactured leaving me open to criminal, (or civil), jeopardy and the evidence I need to defend myself is/may be withheld from me under the above stated means of denying me of the proof.