Prosecutors say Whitey Bulger immunity claim 'void'
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A federal prosecutor has told a Massachusetts judge that any immunity agreement reputed gangster James "Whitey" Bulger claims he had with the government would be "void as a matter of law" if it included murder.
Bulger's lawyer argued that only jurors, not a judge, should be allowed to decide if Bulger's immunity claim is valid.
Both sides presented arguments Wednesday to the judge scheduled to preside at Bulger's trial in June.
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The former Winter Hill Gang leader is accused of participating in 19 murders.
He claims a federal prosecutor gave him immunity for crimes while he was providing the FBI information on local leaders of his gang's main rivals, the Mafia.
Federal prosecutors asked a judge to decide the issue before trial.
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The judge didn't indicate when he would rule.