Louisiana’s Supreme Court on Friday granted a stay of a 16‑count criminal indictment against Attorney General Liz Murrill, a Republican who became the state’s first female attorney general. The court said the grand jury process and the trial‑court’s handling contained significant procedural defects and ordered the stay to allow Murrill to file defensive pleadings such as motions to quash. The indictment, unsealed Thursday, alleged that Murrill tried to intimidate New Orleans officials over a Republican‑led law restructuring the city’s courts. Murrill moved for a stay on Thursday, and the supreme court approved it early Friday, noting that the indictment could be used to file motions to quash or to seek recusal of the special prosecutor or trial judge. Governor Jeff Landry said he would pursue a swift pardon, describing the case as a “kangaroo court.” Murrill called the charges “retaliatory, meritless and unconstitutional” in a post on X, adding that she would continue to perform her duties. The special prosecutor, former judge Laurie White, previously represented ex‑court clerk Calvin Duncan, who argues his removal from office was politically motivated. Murrill’s office also represented White in a separate state lawsuit that was dismissed for alleged inappropriate conduct at a Christmas party. The indictment stemmed from a secret grand jury session; a New Orleans judge sealed the courtroom and ordered journalists to leave, leading to the handcuffing of a station producer and the outlet’s attorney. A court spokesperson said grand jurors must be present when indictments are returned to protect their anonymity, but the supreme court found the closure violated state law requiring public returns. The stay does not prevent Murrill from filing motions for recusal or responses thereto, and the legal dispute over the indictment’s validity remains unresolved.