Steve Bannon, 68, former chief strategist for former US President Donald Trump (76), has been sentenced to four months in prison for contempt of Congress. A federal judge in the capital Washington imposed this sentence on the well-known right-wing populist on Friday. He also has to pay a fine of $ 6,500 (about 6,550 francs), American media reported.
Last year, the 68-year-old refused to comply with a subpoena from the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry into the January 6, 2021 storming of the Capitol and to hand over documents. Bannon was therefore found guilty in July and the verdict was announced on Friday.
The US Department of Justice had demanded six months in prison and a fine of US$200,000 (about 201,500 francs). However, Bannon’s lawyers had only suggested probation and house arrest. Bannon is reportedly the first person in more than 50 years to be sentenced to prison for ignoring a subpoena from Congress. He is expected to appeal the verdict. (AFP/SDA)