US Senator Bob Menendez has been found guilty on all 16 corruption charges by a New York jury, including bribery, acting as a foreign agent, and obstruction of justice. The trial, which lasted nine weeks, centered on accusations that Menendez and his wife accepted bribes including hundreds of thousands of dollars, gold bars, and mortgage payments from businessmen, purportedly for aiding foreign governments. Despite the verdict, Menendez maintains his innocence and plans to appeal, arguing that the prosecution failed to prove any direct actions were taken as a result of the received gifts. This conviction poses a significant challenge for Menendez, who seeks to retain his seat as an independent in the upcoming election, amidst distancing by many Democrats and calls for his resignation.
- US Senator Bob Menendez was found guilty on all 16 corruption charges, including bribery, acting as a foreign agent, and obstruction of justice.
- The allegations claim Menendez accepted bribes such as money, gold bars, and a Mercedes Benz from businessmen linked to the Egyptian government.
- The trial lasted nine weeks, with the jury deliberating for more than 12 hours over three days.
- Despite the conviction, Menendez maintains his innocence and intends to appeal the verdict.
- Menendez’s defense argued that the gifts were not bribes as the prosecution could not prove any direct actions resulted from these gifts.
- The conviction has led to Menendez attempting to stand as an independent candidate in the November election, following distancing by many Democrats and calls for his resignation.
- Senior Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have called on Menendez to resign, highlighting the case’s potential impact on the Democratic Party.
- The case has sparked discussions on the integrity of the Department of Justice, with some interpreting the conviction as evidence of its impartiality.
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