BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- For the first time Wednesday, we're learning 16 FBI agents are guarding Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's five relatives in the US from Russia to testify on his behalf. They are getting around the clock protection, paid for by taxpayers.
The court transcript that was made public shows Prosecutor William Weinreb argues it's the intention of the FBI to return the foreign witnesses to Russia on Friday, meaning, that they need to testify this week. At that point, they will have been in the country for a week.
Weinreb said "it's an enormous expense and distraction for the agency, and that's just part of the expense that the government has endured."
Days ago, we told you how taxpayers are picking up the entire cost of the family's trip from travel to heavy security. They were moved out of the Hampton Inn in Revere shortly after arriving.
When FOX25's Sharman Sacchetti first talked with former US Attorney Michael Sullivan, he put the cost around $100,000, but now says for five people, it may cost more.
"I don't see any reason why it would be much less than $100,000. Likely maybe even a little more expensive now that you have obviously the travel costs as well," Sullivan said.
The transcript shows Tsarnaev's defense lawyer William Fick told the court "I would say we do intend, have every intention, of calling these witnesses on Thursday."
But he added, they're not changing the lineup of witnesses. He also pointed out that there is a concern if they will be prepared Thursday, but they are "certainly making efforts to do so."
What we still don't know, is exactly who these relatives are, we may hear from them as early as Thursday.
Sacchetti did reach out to the FBI for comment, but they said they were unable to comment on the case.
