Judge Juan Merchan of the New York Supreme Court on Tuesday had the authority to penalize and imprison former President Donald Trump for a maximum of 30 days for allegedly breaking his gag order.
As a “modern-day Nelson Mandela” in the “clink” for exposing Merchan’s misdeeds, Trump declared in April that it would be a “GREAT HONOR.”
To find out if Trump broke the gag order—which he called “unconstitutional”—Merchan will convene a hearing on Tuesday.
Regarding the trial’s witnesses, attorneys other than Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D), “members of the court’s staff and the District Attorney’s staff, or… the family members of any counsel or staff member, if those statements are made with the intent to materially interfere with… counsel’s or staff’s work” on the case, Trump is prohibited from speaking in public regarding him or her. It also includes prospective jurors.
According to Reuters, if Merchan decides in favor of the prosecution, Trump can face fines and jail time.
“The Manhattan District Attorney’s office, led by Alvin Bragg, has requested that Merchan fine Trump $1,000 for each of those infractions.” The first criminal prosecution of a former US president would take a dramatic turn if the court used the statute to sentence Trump to up to 30 days in jail. Trump claims that the partial gag order violates his right to free expression as it forbids him from openly attacking witnesses, judges, and their families.”
Last Thursday, Trump told reporters, “The gag order needs to come off.” “I have a gag order, but others are free to talk about me, simply to show you how much more unjust it is.”
He cried out, “They have taken away my fundamental rights to speak.”
Regarding his political opponents, Trump stated, “They can say whatever they want.” They are free to keep fabricating falsehoods and other things. They are dishonest. They truly are filthy. I cannot talk, though, you know that.
“So why can’t I speak the truth?” asked Trump. Trump asked. “All I am saying is the truth. They are not being completely honest. The judge needs to lift this gag order. The deprivation of my fundamental rights is incredibly unjust.
In the criminal case involving purported election meddling and a retainer payment to Michael Cohen, Alvin Bragg, the Democratic district attorney for Manhattan, accused Trump of 34 offenses. This is the nation’s first-ever criminal trial involving a sitting president. Trump may go to jail if found guilty.
According to a Tuesday AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey, just around one-third of American citizens think Trump committed any crimes in connection with the case.
The case is New York v. Trump, New York Supreme Court for New York County No. 71543-23.
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