Judge rejects Trump’s claim of immunity in his federal 2020 election prosecution
The Hindu
Judge rejects Trump's bid to derail Wash. election interference case; ruling says former President is "not above the law" and can be subject to criminal prosecution. Trump's lawyers argue no other former President has been criminally prosecuted, but Judge Chutkan says "so too are the allegations that a President committed the crimes with which Defendant is charged." Trump faces four criminal cases, including one in Wash. for alleged election interference.
Donald Trump is not immune from prosecution in his election interference case in Washington, a federal judge ruled Friday, knocking down the Republican's bid to derail the case charging him with plotting to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan's decision amounts to a sharp rejection to challenges the Trump defense team had raised to the four-count indictment in advance of a trial expected to center on the Republican's multi-pronged efforts to undo the election won by Democrat Joe Biden.
Though the judge turned aside Mr. Trump’s expansive view of presidential power, the order might not be the final say in the legal fight. Lawyers for Mr. Trump, who has denied any wrongdoing, are expected to quickly appeal to fight what they say an unsettled legal question.
Also read: Explained | The indictment against Donald Trump
In her ruling, Judge Chutkan said the office of the President “does not confer a lifelong ‘get-out-of-jail-free’ pass.”
"Former Presidents enjoy no special conditions on their federal criminal liability," Judge Chutkan wrote. “Defendant may be subject to federal investigation, indictment, prosecution, conviction, and punishment for any criminal acts undertaken while in office.”
Judge Chutkan also rejected Mr. Trump's claims that the indictment violates the former President's free speech rights. Lawyers for Mr. Trump had argued that he was within his First Amendment rights to challenge the outcome of the election and to allege that it had been tainted by fraud, and they accused prosecutors of attempting to criminalise political speech and political advocacy.
Russia claims control of Potapivka village in Ukraine's Sumy region amid ongoing military efforts to establish a buffer zone.
Iranian missile strikes on Israeli towns cause widespread damage and injuries, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
As Gor makes first trip as U.S. Special envoy to South Asia, Delhi watches strategic signals closely
Sergio Gor's inaugural trip as U.S. Special Envoy to South Asia signals strategic U.S. engagement amid regional tensions.
Slovenians vote in a tight election between liberal and populist candidates, impacting the country's future domestic and foreign policies.
Netanyahu asserts U.S.-Israel alliance fights Iranian threats, emphasizing global security after missile strikes on Israeli and European targets.
Israeli settlers attack Palestinian villages in the West Bank, causing injuries and destruction amid ongoing settlement expansion.
Britain asserts no evidence of Iran planning missile strikes on Europe, despite Israeli claims of missile capabilities.
UNESCO reports over half of countries have banned phones in schools due to concerns about attention, cyberbullying, and social media impact.
Analysis reveals a U.S.-operated Patriot missile likely caused a pre-dawn explosion in Bahrain, injuring numerous civilians.
Sri Lanka raises fuel prices by 25% amid ongoing West Asia conflict, impacting petrol and diesel costs significantly.
Iran strikes near Israeli nuclear research center as Trump threatens attacks on Iranian power plants
Iran's missile strikes near Israel's nuclear site escalate tensions as Trump threatens retaliation against Iranian power plants.
Saudi Arabia intercepts one of three ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh amid ongoing regional tensions and threats from Iran.
Iran's death toll exceeds 1,500 amid escalating war, with heavy airstrikes and shifting U.S. and Israel strategies reported.