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Judge Rules Tsarnaev Friends Can Wear Civilian Clothes In Court Prior To Their Trial

BOSTON (CBS) – A federal judge has ruled friends of accused Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev can change into civilian clothes before jury selection and other hearings for their trial.

Dias Kadyrbayev and Azamat Tazhayakov face obstruction of justice charges for allegedly helping Tsarnaev hide evidence after the bombings. The pair attended the University of Massachusetts/Dartmouth with Tsarnaev.

They are accused of removing a laptop and backpack containing fireworks from Tsarnaev's dorm room three days after the bombing.

"All defendants are presumed innocent. They have been convicted of nothing," commented WBZ legal analyst Harry Manion said.

"Restraints and an orange jumpsuit is consisent with guilt," Manion said. "You're already incarcerated, you must have done something. And it's the wrong image, certainly for a jury and it's the wrong image for the public."

A third friend of Tsarnaev, Robel Phillipos of Cambridge, will also be in court on Tuesday. He is accused of lying to investigators.

None of the friends is accused of taking part in the bombings.

This week's hearing will focus on outstanding motions, including change of venue and motions to suppress.

The judge has set a trial date of June 23 for the three friends of Tsarnaev.

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