Sam Bankman-Fried’s legal team is urging for his early release from federal jail, citing unreliable internet access that hampers his ability to prepare for his upcoming legal case. In a filing submitted to a federal judge, his lawyers expressed concerns about the inadequate internet access at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Manhattan.

According to the lawyers, Bankman-Fried has not been provided sufficient access to review necessary documents for his defense. They argue that the conditions at the jail have hindered their preparations, leading to a loss of valuable time. As a result, they are once again requesting the court to order Bankman-Fried’s temporary release.

This recent request follows a previous one filed on September 5, which highlighted the various obstacles created by the conditions in the correctional facility. The lawyers claimed that the government had assured them of weekday access to a laptop from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., but these hours have not been granted in practice.

The lawyers provided examples of instances where Bankman-Fried’s preparation time was compromised due to interruptions and limited internet access. These issues have made it difficult for him to upload documents and review materials necessary for his defense.

In addition to the internet access problem, the defense team also expressed concerns about the overwhelming volume of documents provided by the government. Federal prosecutors shared approximately four million pages of documents on August 28. Even with unlimited review time, the defense found it challenging to review such a vast amount of material before the expected trial on October 3.

Furthermore, the defense contends that Bankman-Fried is the only individual with comprehensive knowledge of the companies and facts involved in the case. This further complicates the defense’s preparations.

Initially, Bankman-Fried was granted permission to prepare for his defense from his parents’ home in Palo Alto, California, albeit with restrictions on internet access. However, he was subsequently ordered to be incarcerated on August 11 due to concerns raised by prosecutors about possible witness tampering.

The internet access issues and the logistical challenges posed by the volume of documents are now prompting Bankman-Fried’s legal team to push for his early release to ensure a fair and effective preparation for his legal case.