A federal judge in Washington barred the defense team for an accused Russian agent from making further comments to the media, citing concerns that public statements made outside the courtroom would make it more difficult to seat a jury.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan on Monday said the defense lawyer, Robert Driscoll, had “overstepped” and “crossed the line” with his comments to the media, two months after she had cautioned him against trying Maria Butina’s case in the press.