Found guilty by jury: Anti-Turkey Menendez resigns
The Washington Post reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter, that Menendez has decided to resign, effective August 20.
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However, Menendez's resignation came immediately after the report in the Washington Post. The U.S. Senate has accepted Menendez's resignation. The former senator's resignation message was read from the floor.
It was noted that Menendez, remembered for his anti-Turkey statements in the U.S. Senate, made this decision as a result of increasing pressure from his own party members after being found guilty by a jury.
Democratic New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy will make an appointment to replace Menendez, who has represented New Jersey in the Senate since 2006.
CORRUPTION AND BRIBERY CASE
Former Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman and New Jersey Senator Menendez, who was on trial in the U.S. on bribery and corruption charges, was found guilty by a jury in a New York court on July 16.
The court jury decided that Menendez was guilty on all 16 separate counts, including charges of accepting bribes, obstructing justice by pressuring investigations into him, and acting as a foreign agent.
It was stated that Menendez could face up to 20 years in prison for each of the counts on which he was found guilty.
The sentencing for the convicted Menendez will be handed down on October 29.