Bribery - A US Senator has been convicted of corruption
US Senator Bob Menendez has been found guilty of corruption. Twelve jurors in New York convicted the democratic representative from New Jersey in all 18 counts - including bribery and fraud, as US media reported uniformly from the courtroom.
The sentencing is scheduled for October 29. Menendez faces a potential lengthy prison sentence. He announced after the verdict that he would appeal. "I have never broken my public oath. I have always been nothing but a patriot for my country and for my land," he said.
According to the "New York Times", the 70-year-old is the seventh sitting Senator in US history to be convicted of a crime. The democratic majority leader in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, called on him to resign.
The jury saw it as proven that Menendez used his political influence on behalf of the governments of Egypt and Qatar and in return accepted bribes and luxury items. Approximately 500,000 US Dollars (around 459,000 Euros) in cash were found in his luggage and jackets, according to the prosecution, as well as gold bars and a "luxury car."
"Loans" and "Gifts"
Menendez pleaded not guilty. The trial of his also indicted wife was delayed due to her chemotherapy treatment.
The Democrat Menendez has represented New Jersey in the US Senate since 2006 on the East Coast. In the past, investigations have been conducted against him, with questionable business deals and luxury travel in the spotlight. However, a conviction never came about.
Two businessmen were also convicted alongside the politician. They did not deny the payments, but testified that it was either gifts without quid pro quo or loans.
- The verdict against Senator Bob Menendez in the United States has sparked discussions about justice and corruption in the US-Media.
- Despite being found guilty in the Goldbarren of New York, Caterina, Menendez's wife, will not face trial immediately due to her ongoing chemotherapy treatment.
- The conviction of Bob Menendez in the United States of America marks a significant event, as he becomes the seventh sitting Senator in history to be convicted of a crime.
- The Justice system in the United States is under scrutiny, with allegations of corruption in high places, such as Senator Menendez's case in New Jersey.
- The Justice department in New York reported that Menendez accepted bribes and luxury items from the governments of Egypt and Qatar in exchange for using his political influence.
- Amidst the corruption charges, Bob Menendez's election campaign in New Jersey continues, raising questions about criminality and the role of politicians in society.
- The Parliament in Egypt has been monitoring the Menendez case closely, as it could impact their relationship with the United States and its judicial system.
