The US Capitol Storming Commission of Inquiry recommends that the Justice Department conduct criminal investigations into ex-President Donald Trump and close associates. The House of Representatives voted unanimously in favor of this on Monday at its last public hearing in Washington. The committee’s recommendation is not binding – the Justice Department will decide whether to prosecute the Republican. It is unclear when this decision will come.
Yet such a recommendation is unprecedented. Because the committee accuses Trump of rioting, obstructing a public trial and conspiracy against the US government, among other things. The panel’s vote is a strong signal, can influence decision-making and lead to an indictment. The final report will be presented shortly.
For the past 18 months, the committee has investigated how Trump supporters stormed the seat of the US Congress on January 6, 2021, when the Republican’s election defeat by Joe Biden had to be confirmed. A mob incited by Trump violently entered the building, killing five people.
The Justice Department must now see if it has enough evidence to bring criminal charges against the Republican. The rare crime of rioting is the most serious. It is fulfilled under United States law by inciting or participating in rebellion against state authority or law. This is punishable by a fine or imprisonment for up to ten years or both. So if Trump is convicted of sedition, he would no longer be allowed to hold political office.
The committee consists of seven Democrats and two Republicans. He ends up being a toothless tiger because he has no criminal powers. But the panel staged the public hearings like a TV spectacle – which should have left a lasting impression on many people.
In the course of the investigation, 76-year-old Trump was heavily accused by witnesses. These included former Attorney General William Barr and White House aides. Cassidy Hutchinson, a former White House aide, was considered a particularly spectacular surprise witness. Over the summer, she accused Trump of knowing about possible violence on January 6, 2021.
Trump has railed against the Commission of Inquiry from the start, denying its legitimacy. In November, Trump stated that he wanted to run again with the Republicans as a candidate for the White House. Against this background, too, he dismisses all allegations against him as political persecution.
The ex-president is currently embroiled in several other legal disputes. For example, he is under investigation for taking secret government documents to his private estate after he left the White House. Trump could have been criminalized for prosecution. (bal/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.
