Steve Bannon, who was an influential adviser to Donald Trump in the White House, was sentenced Friday to four months in prison for refusing to cooperate with the congressional investigation into the seizure of the Capitol.
This 68-year-old man, a figure of right-wing populism in the United States, immediately announced his intention to appeal, which suspends the application of the sentence.
Therefore, he was able to walk free from court. In front of the cameras he claimed to “respect the judge’s decision”, but immediately slipped into political territory.
“November 8 will be the day of judgment for the illegitimate regime of (Joe) Biden (…) and we know how it will end,” he said, referring to the midterm elections, in which the Democrats could lose control of Congress. .
“Contempt” and “Bad Faith”
Citing several members of the January 6 commission of inquiry, tasked with shedding light on Donald Trump’s role in the coup against his supporters, Steve Bannon predicted that “they would be defeated.”
Refusing to respond to subpoenas from this commission, he was found guilty, in July, of obstructing the investigative powers of Congress.
The prosecutors then requested six months of preventive detention, establishing his “contempt” and his “bad faith” throughout the procedure. His lawyers had asked for a sentence of probation or house arrest.
Judge Carl Nichols finally opted for four months in prison, accompanied by a fine of $6,500.
“Respecting Congress is an important component of our constitutional system,” he justified, pointing out that Steve Bannon, to date, always “did not present any document, nor did he deliver any testimony” to the commission.
Source: BFM TV
