Dharun Ravi's Lawyer Speaks Out: 'This Is Not The Time For Explanations Of Defenses'

Two weeks after Rutgers University freshman Tyler Clementi jumped from the George Washington Bridge to his death, the lawyer of the young man charged with invasion of privacy in the events apparently surrounding Clementi's suicide has spoken.

"Unfortunately, a life has been lost," said Steven Altman, the attorney for Dharun Ravi, in a statement. "Out of respect to Tyler Clementi's family, this is not the time for explanations of defenses or justifications to be made public by an attorney."

Altman continued:

"In regards to statements made by the prosecuting agencies of their continuing investigation and whether to file bias charges against Dharun Ravi, I am heartened to hear that they are taking their time to learn all the facts before rushing to judgment. I can only hope that the public will do the same. I am confident that nothing will be learned to justify, warrant or support the filing of any bias criminal complaint."

Ravi has been charged with several counts of invasion of privacy for allegedly taping a sexual encounter of Clementi's and broadcasting it on the internet without his knowledge.

Meanwhile, lawyers for Molly Wei, who has also been charged with invasion of privacy in Clementi's death, claim their client is innocent.

In a statement reported yesterday, Wei's lawyers said she is "a wonderful, caring and talented young woman" and that she has been "maligned by unfounded attacks on her character."