Bannon plans to enchantment sentencing for contempt of Congress conviction over his refusal to adjust to January 6 panel.
Steve Bannon, a former high adviser to former US President Donald Trump, has been sentenced to 4 months in jail for refusing to cooperate with lawmakers investigating final yr’s assault on the US Capitol.
United States District Decide Carl Nichols imposed the sentence on Friday and likewise ordered Bannon to pay a high-quality of $6,500.
Earlier this week, US prosecutors had requested the choose to condemn Bannon to 6 months in jail, whereas Bannon’s attorneys had sought probation, after the 68-year-old in July was convicted of two counts of contempt of Congress.
Every depend was punishable by 30 days to at least one yr in jail and a high-quality ranging between $100 to $100,000.
Prosecutor JP Cooney mentioned at Friday’s listening to that Bannon selected to “thumb his nostril at Congress” by refusing to testify or present paperwork subpoenaed by the congressional committee probing the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot and efforts by Trump’s allies to overturn his 2020 election loss.
He “is just not above the legislation, and that’s what makes this case vital”, Cooney mentioned.
Outdoors the courthouse, Bannon, 68, delivered fiery remarks as protesters at occasions tried to drown his voice out with shouts of “Traitor!”
“As we speak was my judgement day by the choose,” Bannon advised reporters. “However … on November 8 [midterm elections], they'll have judgement on the illegitimate Biden regime, and fairly frankly, [House Speaker] Nancy Pelosi and your entire committee.”
Bannon has two weeks to file his enchantment, which his attorneys mentioned they intend to do. If he fails to file it on time, he's required to show himself in by November 15.
Al Jazeera’s Heidi Zhou-Castro, reporting from Washington, DC, on Friday, mentioned the sentencing was “substantial” and with out precedent.
“The choose, in explaining his choice, mentioned … he wished to ship the message that others have to be deterred from committing related crimes and that Bannon was unrepentant till the final moments, and nonetheless unrepentant,” Zhou-Castro mentioned.
Bannon was a key adviser to the Republican Trump’s 2016 presidential marketing campaign, then served as his chief White Home strategist in 2017 earlier than a falling out between them that was later patched up.
Bannon helped articulate the “America First” populism and stout opposition to immigration that helped outline Trump’s presidency. He additionally has performed an instrumental position in right-wing media and has promoted right-wing causes and candidates within the US and overseas.
In keeping with the January 6 committee, Bannon spoke with Trump at the least twice on the day earlier than the Capitol riot final yr, attended a planning assembly at a Washington lodge, and mentioned on his right-wing podcast that “all hell goes to interrupt unfastened tomorrow”.
Throughout his trial, prosecutors known as solely two witnesses whereas Bannon’s defence workforce known as none. Bannon opted to not testify.
Bannon’s attorneys mentioned he was not appearing in dangerous religion by refusing to testify, however making an attempt to keep away from operating afoul of govt privilege objections Trump had raised when Bannon was first served with a committee subpoena final yr.
The one-time presidential adviser mentioned he wished a Trump lawyer within the room, however the committee wouldn't permit it. Many different former White Home aides have testified with solely their very own counsel current.
Bannon had been fired from the White Home in 2017 and was a personal citizen when he was consulting with the then-president earlier than the January 6 riot. His attorneys have mentioned they are going to enchantment his conviction.
In the meantime, the Home committee’s leaders have known as Bannon’s conviction a victory for the rule of legislation. Bannon had sought to painting the legal prices as politically motivated, lashing out at Biden and Lawyer Common Merrick Garland, whereas saying, “They took on the improper man his time.”
The Democratic-led committee has sought testimony from dozens of individuals in Trump’s orbit.
Along with Bannon, prosecutors have charged former Trump White Home adviser Peter Navarro with contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena from the identical committee, with a November 17 trial date set. Navarro has pleaded not responsible.
Friday’s sentencing doesn't finish Bannon’s authorized troubles.
He was indicted in New York state in September on prices of cash laundering and conspiracy, with prosecutors accusing him of deceiving donors giving cash to assist construct Trump’s promised wall alongside the US-Mexico border.
Bannon, who pleaded not responsible, may withstand 15 years in jail if convicted on these prices. Trump pardoned Bannon final yr on related federal prices.
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