Ryan Bundy can continue as own lawyer in Oregon refuge case

PORTLAND – A federal judge agreed to let Oregon standoff defendants Ryan Bundy and Kenneth Medenbach represent themselves at their upcoming trial, despite concerns they won’t follow court rulings in the presence of the jury.

U.S. District Judge Court Anna Brown threatened to take away their right to self-representation because they have repeatedly challenged the court’s jurisdiction. At a hearing Tuesday, she wanted them to promise they wouldn’t raise issues in front of a jury that have already been resolved.

Medenbach said he would follow the rules. Bundy was more hesitant, but eventually agreed.

The men are among eight people ready to stand trial on conspiracy charges related to this winter’s 41-day occupation of a national wildfire refuge.

Jury selection begins Sept. 7 and opening statements are tentatively slated for Sept. 13.