This is an unprecedented situation in the United States, in fact the criminal trial of former American President Donald Trump is a first in the country. While he is in the middle of the campaign to run for a second presidential term, the billionaire appeared in court on Monday, April 15 in New York, for having concealed a payment of 130,000 dollars to former porn actress Stormy Daniels, according to charges against him.
Jury selection, crucial in this trial, began with nearly 500 potential candidates. Of the first 96 shortlisted, more than half were disqualified for bias on the first day. The final jury will consist of twelve members and six alternates, who will deliver a unanimous verdict after a process that could last up to two months. The fate of the 77-year-old former Republican president now rests in the hands of the jury .
Trump is accused of concealing a $130,000 payment to former porn actress Stormy Daniels to buy her silence about an alleged extramarital affair dating back to 2006. This payment was also allegedly intended to protect his 2016 election campaign, which he finally won against Democrat Hillary Clinton.
Rejection of defense requests
Before the trial began, Magistrate Judge Juan M. Merchan, of Colombian descent, denied several defense requests, including to recuse himself from the case. He also warned Trump against any acts of contempt during the proceedings. Trump’s reaction: “Not a Fair Trial.” »
Outside the courthouse, Trump expressed skepticism about the fairness of the trial, saying he had “a real problem” with the justice system. He called the judge “very confrontational” and expressed doubts about whether the proceedings were fair.
On April 24, a hearing will be held to examine a prosecutor’s complaint accusing Trump of having violated a court order by referring to the case on his social networks, despite the judge’s ban.
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