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| Donald Trump's hush money case | Photo: Reuters |
A court in the United States President-elect Donald Trump, who was convicted of concealing information about a bribe paid to a porn star. He was not sentenced to prison or fined; instead, he was given "unconditional discharge." New York Judge Juan Marchan announced the statement on Friday.
Donald Trump, who will be sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on January 20, could have faced a maximum sentence of four years in prison under US law for bribing a porn star. Parole is a measure in which a defendant's conviction remains in effect, but no sanctions or restrictions are imposed on him.
The lawsuit against Trump alleged that Trump had a sexual relationship with former porn star Stormy Daniels. He bribed her to keep the relationship secret before the 2016 presidential election. Trump did not mention the bribe in his business documents. He was convicted in May last year in the case.
The sentence handed down to Trump by Judge Juan Marchan today is rare in US judicial history. Marchan said at the time of sentencing that "never before has this court been faced with such a unique and significant situation. The only sentence that can legally be imposed without interfering with the highest officeholder in the land is unconditional release."
Trump was virtually present at the Manhattan courthouse in New York City for today's sentencing. "This is a terrible experience. I think it's a huge blow to New York and the New York court system. This (case) was brought to tarnish my reputation so that I could lose the election," he said before being granted unconditional release.
Trump's Republican Party appealed the verdict in the bribery case to the Supreme Court. His lawyer also requested a stay of sentencing. However, on Tuesday, New York State Associate Judge Ellen Jesmer dismissed the request. Trump has repeatedly claimed that the case against him was brought out of political vendetta.
Meanwhile, supporters gathered outside the Manhattan courthouse with a large banner reading Trump's name as he was sentenced today. There was also a smaller gathering of anti-Trump protesters holding banners reading "Trump Guilty."
Earlier, on January 6, Trump was officially recognized as president. Exactly four years ago, on the same day, he caused a scandal. After the 2020 election, he did not accept defeat against current President Joe Biden. On January 6 of that year, the day Biden was recognized, his supporters attacked the US Capitol Hill at his call. The court has acquitted Trump of the lawsuit filed in that incident.