Because Ma was on the witness list, she was not permitted to sit in the gallery during the trial.
People who might be called as witnesses aren't allowed to sit in on the trial until after they testify.
This is but one of the DA's numerous brilliant moves.
He kept Ma's name on the prosecution's witness list throughout the trial.
She wasn't permitted to enter the courtroom.
Well, that's not entirely accurate.
She was allowed in for opening statements, and then "escorted out" immediately thereafter.
Something tells me, Ma's going to need to get used to being "escorted out" of the courtroom.
In fact, I anticipate her being escorted both in and out of the courtroom with some frequency in the not- too-distant future, given what we learned on Friday.
JMO.