Trump's 'hush money' trial begins with jury selection

Former US President Donald Trump appeared before a judge at the Manhattan Criminal Court in New York as part of the case in which he is accused of paying “hush money” to an adult film actress with whom he allegedly had an affair before the 2016 presidential election.

Making a statement before the hearing, Trump described the case as “political persecution,” stating, “I am honored to be here because I am innocent.

This case, opened for political purposes, is an insult to America. Nothing like this has ever happened before. I should never have been brought here,” he said.

MOTION TO RECUSE JUDGE DENIED

The hearing began after Trump made his statement and took his place in the courtroom.

Trump and his lawyers argued that the fact that Judge Juan Merchan's daughter works for a political consulting firm that serves Democratic clients creates a conflict of interest, and they requested for the second time that Merchan be removed from the case.

The request was denied by the court. The court announced that it would consider Trump's request to reschedule the hearing planned for May 17 due to his son Barron's high school graduation.

PROSECUTOR REQUESTS PENALTY FOR VIOLATION OF GAG ORDER

Taking the floor during the hearing, Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass cited examples of recent posts Trump made on his own social media platform, Truth Social, and stated that Trump had violated the previously imposed gag order.

Prosecutor Chris Conroy requested that Trump be fined one thousand dollars for each social media post that constitutes a violation of the gag order. The court decided that the prosecutors' requests regarding the gag order would be evaluated at the hearing to be held on April 23.

JURY SELECTION HAS BEGUN

In the final stage of the hearing, the selection of the jury, which will consist of ordinary citizens living in Manhattan where the case is being heard and will decide whether Trump is guilty, began. More than 50 potential jurors requested to be excused, stating that they could not be fair and impartial. The selection of 12 jurors and 6 alternates is expected to take about a week, followed by the hearing of witness testimonies. Trump is required to attend the hearings, which are expected to last until May.

A FIRST IN US HISTORY

Trump is accused of paying “hush money” to an adult film actress with whom he had an affair before the 2016 presidential election and falsifying official records to cover up the payment. The case holds historical significance as Trump is the first former US President to be tried in a criminal case in US history. It is stated that Trump could face up to 4 years in prison at the end of the trial.

News Source: İHA