unconditional release

Despite his unconditional release, US President-elect Donald Trump will remain on record as a convicted criminal.

Judge Juan Merchan in New York City on January 10th opened a trial to sentence President-elect Donald Trump for paying a hush money payment to an adult film actress in 2016 and for falsifying business records to cover up his involvement.

Mr. Trump attended the court hearing online from Florida.

Screens in the New York courthouse displayed images of lawyer Todd Blanche and President-elect Donald Trump from Florida.

Mr. Trump was acquitted by a jury in May 2024, and the judge postponed the sentencing hearing several times at Mr. Trump's request.

At the sentencing hearing, prosecutor Joshua Steinglass summarized the case and said that the jury's verdict was unanimous and must be respected, according to CNN. Steinglass also noted that Trump's charges could carry a prison sentence or other penalties, but given his election as president, prosecutors recommended an "unconditional release" sentence.

Prosecutors acknowledged that a conditional release sentence would likely hinder Trump from performing his presidential duties and therefore recommended unconditional release. "We must respect the office of president," Steinglass said.

Trump's lawyer, Emil Bove, attended the court hearing in New York on January 10.

Trump's lawyer, Todd Blanche, objected to the prosecution's opinion, calling it a sad day for the president-elect, his family, and the country. Trump also stated that the trial was a very bad experience. "I think it's a step backward for New York and the New York court system. This is a case that Alvin Bragg didn't want to bring to trial," Trump said, referring to the lead prosecutor in the case.

The leader reiterated the accusation that the case was a political witch hunt aimed at damaging his reputation. "The fact is, I am completely innocent. I did nothing wrong," President-elect Trump emphasized.

After Mr. Trump finished speaking, Judge Merchan thanked him and called the sentencing one of the most important and difficult decisions a criminal court judge has ever had to make. "Never before has this court been presented with such a unique and remarkable situation. This is a truly exceptional case," said Judge Merchan.

Ultimately, the judge declared the sentence of unconditional release. He noted that it was the legal protection of the presidency, not the person holding the office, emphasizing that ordinary citizens do not enjoy this legal protection.

Although he will not face any punishment, the charges will remain permanently in Trump's legal record. Previously, the leader requested a postponement of the sentencing date until after his upcoming inauguration (January 20), but the US Supreme Court rejected this request on January 9. Trump also tried to have the case dismissed, but Judge Merchan stated that the sentencing must proceed to meet the public's expectation that no one is above the law.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tuyen-an-ong-trump-phong-thich-vo-dieu-kien-185250110221602037.htm