Major League Baseball

Prosecutors: Truthful testimony is "serious" issue

Published Apr. 14, 2011 8:40 a.m. ET

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United States Attorney Melinda Haag released the following statement Wednesday in connection with Barry Bonds verdict:

''The jury convicted the defendant of obstructing justice, which required it to find that Mr. Bonds corruptly, for the purpose of obstructing justice, provided intentionally evasive, false or misleading testimony before the Grand Jury.

We respect the jury's decision and their careful consideration of the evidence in this case and are gratified by the guilty verdict on Count Five.

This case is about upholding one of the most fundamental principles in our system of justice - the obligation of every witness to provide truthful and direct testimony in judicial proceedings. In the United States, taking an oath and promising to testify truthfully is a serious matter. We cannot ignore those who choose instead to obstruct justice.

We will decide whether to seek a retrial of the defendant on the remaining counts as soon as possible and will inform the Court and counsel as soon as we make our decision.''

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