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“Not guilty.” Former US President Donald Trump (76) has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of first-degree forgery of business documents related to a hush money payment during the 2016 election campaign.
The charges against Trump are all Class E crimes, the lowest category of crimes in New York. She faces a prison sentence of up to four years. Handcuffs, van, prison cell: all this will be searched in vain on Tuesday. Trump was arrested, but not taken into custody. The flight risk is estimated to be low. The only obligation he has: to appear at all further court hearings.
On Tuesday afternoon (local time), Trump was due to appear in criminal court in Manhattan, New York, to face charges. A first for a former American president. Tension in New York was correspondingly high, as were fears of riots and media attention. The Republican has not received much attention for a long time.
Trump’s latest post, which he published on his own online platform Truth Social ahead of his court date: “On the way to lower Manhattan to the courthouse. It looks so SURREAL – WOW they are going to ARREST ME. I can’t believe this is happening in America .MAGA!”
Trump with an iron face in court
He had spent the night before the appointment at Trump Tower. While the ex-president slept in his residence, people were already queuing in front of the court to enter the hall. Barriers were erected around the building and media representatives from around the world set up their cameras.
Thousands of protesters also gathered in front of the courthouse. Trump’s supporters supported him. One woman said “communist tactics” were being used against Trump. “America will never put up with this,” she screamed. Dozens of Trump opponents also showed up shouting, “Lock him up!” Both sides were separated by barriers.
The New York Police Department had prepared for the historic day. “I want to remind everyone that violence and destruction are not part of a legitimate, lawful expression of opinion,” police chief Keechant Sewell, 51, warned in advance. Circumstances like the storming of the Capitol more than two years ago were feared.
Supporters protest ‘communist tactics’
Trump then entered the building undisturbed through a side entrance. While the cameras focused on him, the former president kept a straight face and did not face the press. However, no video shooting was allowed in the courtroom itself – only five photographers were allowed inside. Judge Juan Merchan (60) did not allow a media circus in the room.
Nevertheless, even before the historic date, Trump insisted on publicly attacking the judge. However, he did not want to comment on the media after his trial and ignored the waiting journalists.
According to reports, the next in-person hearing in Donald Trump’s silence case will not take place until December. A trial would not begin until January 2024 at the earliest.
That schedule means Trump may have to appear in court when the 2024 Republican primary begins. So far, Trump remains the frontrunner for the Republican nomination.
Source: Blick
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.
