Former US President Donald Trump is preparing to appear before the court to officially hear the charges brought against him, hand over his fingerprints and take photos, writes Reuters.
In late March, Trump became the first former US president to face criminal charges. Trump has declared that he is innocent. He will appear in court on Tuesday, the 4th of April, under increased security, as demonstrations and protests are expected both from supporters of the former president and rallies organized by his opponents. During his presidency, Trump was seen more than once to anger liberal-minded Americans and to create tension in international diplomatic relations, but he still has the support of conservative Christians and blue collar Americans. Shortly before leaving Florida for New York, Trump wrote on the self-managed social network Truth Social: «We have to take back our Country and, make America great again!» He also asked supporters to donate to his campaign.
Trump is scheduled to hear the charges on the 4th of April at 2:15 p.m.
(9:15 p.m. Latvian time). Trump’s lawyers have objected to filming, photographing or broadcasting the hearing, saying it would add to the already circus-like atmosphere surrounding the case. Judge Juan Merchan decided on the evening of Monday, the 3rd of April, that five photographers will be allowed to be in the courtroom, who will be allowed to take pictures a few minutes before the start of the hearing, and the cameras will also be allowed to be used in the corridors of the courthouse.
Trump will return to Florida after the indictments are read and will make comments from his villa.
Specific accusations will be known on the evening of the 4th of April, and Trump and his allies have already announced that the accusations are politically motivated. Yahoo News reported on the 3rd of April that Trump will face 34 charges of falsifying financial information.
Police already placed barricades over the weekend around Trump Towers. Barricades also cover the Manhattan courthouse. Protests are expected in both places on the 4th of April. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has called on potential rioters to behave appropriately. He said:
«Our message is clear and simple: Control yourselves.
New York City is our home, not a playground for your misplaced anger.» US President Joe Biden, when asked if he is afraid of riots, said no, because he trusts the New York police.
The accusations have created a palpable tension in the country. Both Trump’s critics, who hope that he finally receives the punishment he deserves, and his supporters, who will cheer Trump on with their presence, are gathering in the streets. An indictment, or even a conviction, cannot legally dissuade Trump from running for president.
The investigation in New York is just one of the legal challenges facing the former president. A separate criminal investigation has been launched into possible falsification of election results in Georgia in 2020, and is being investigated with two episodes related to the storage of secret documents. A trial in Manhattan will take place no sooner than a year from now, which means – already after the presidential election campaign.
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