The fraud trial against former US President Donald Trump in New York is getting underway. Both sides in the civil case held their closing arguments on Thursday. While the prosecution’s attorneys once again laid out fraud allegations against Trump’s business empire, the Trump Organization, defense attorneys again denied any wrongdoing by Trump and his sons Eric and Donald Jr. The Public Prosecution Service is demanding a fine of 370 million dollars (about 340 million euros).
Trump again described himself as an “innocent man” in the courtroom in southern Manhattan. Attorney General Letitia James hates him and Judge Arthur Engoron has “his own agenda,” complained Trump, who had previously insulted the two in and out of court several times and had already been fined for it. Judge Engoron urged Trump’s lawyers to rein in their client.
Trump had already made it known prior to the appointment that he wanted to express himself. Judge Engoron imposed conditions on this, which were subsequently not accepted by Trump’s lawyers. Engoron had demanded, among other things, that Trump not misuse the plea as a campaign speech. During their closing arguments, Trump’s lawyers again asked if Trump could speak — and Engoron granted their request.
New York Attorney General James was also in the courtroom. “I am proud of the case we have brought and am confident that the facts and the rule of law are on our side,” she previously said.
The civil case concerns the future of the 77-year-old’s business empire. Prosecutors accused Trump, his sons and employees of manipulating the value of the Trump Organization for years to obtain cheaper loans and insurance contracts. Judge Engoron had already confirmed this before the trial. The case could still be appealed after a ruling expected by the end of the month.
The former president wants to be re-elected in 2024. He is the most promising candidate for the Republican nomination. According to many observers, he used the trial as election advertising and repeatedly claimed that the trial was part of a political campaign against him. During the trial, Trump himself and his children Eric, Donald Jr. and Ivanka questioned.
According to the responsible police authority, a bomb threat was made against Engoron’s home outside the New York metropolitan area a few hours before the closing arguments began. According to initial findings, there were no injuries or property damage. The police initially did not provide any further details.
(hah/sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
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