According to CNN (CNN), on November 29 local time, Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the far-right American organization "Oath Keepers" and another member Kelly Meggs were convicted of inflammatory conspiracy. They had incited Trump supporters to attack U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
The U.S. Department of Justice said that the "Guardian of the Oath" plotted to forcibly prevent the peaceful transfer of presidential power from Trump to Biden and plotted to attack the U.S. Capitol on November 6, 2021. The trial was the worst inflammatory conspiracy case in the widespread investigation by the Justice Department of the Capitol riots, and the trial lasted for nearly two months.
It is reported that the crime of inflammatory conspiracy can be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. In addition, a federal jury also found Rhodes obstructing official procedures and tampering with documents. Prosecutor Jeffrey Nesterler pointed out that Rhodes did not enter the Capitol during the riots, but stood outside like a "general" to command his "troop".
There are a total of five defendants on trial in this case: Stewart Rhodes, Kelly Meggs, Jessica Watkins, Kenneth Harrison and Thomas Caldwell. All five defendants were charged with inflammatory conspiracy, but three other defendants were acquitted on this core charge, except for Rhodes and Meggs, but all five defendants were found guilty of obstructing formal lawsuits and multiple other charges.
Based on evidence possessed by the U.S. government, Rhodes once said, "Without the Civil War, we can't get through it and prepare your mind, body and spirit." During the trial, U.S. Assistant Prosecutor Jeffrey Nesterler argued: "They claim to represent the Constitution, but they actually trampled on the Constitution. They claim to save the country, but they actually destroyed it."
After nearly three days of deliberation, the jurors made the verdict. When reading the verdict, Rhodes suddenly lowered his head and wrote a note to himself. Watkins nodded vigorously after being acquitted of inciting conspiracy, while Caldwell closed his eyes several times.
The Justice Department has accused about 900 people related to the Capitol attack and asked Congress to provide more evidence for the investigation. Hundreds of similar cases are under investigation, and four other "Guardians of Vows" charged with Rhodes will be tried in early December. Democratic Rep. Jamie Ruskin said, "This shows that the US judicial system is indeed playing a role."
Jiupai News Intern Reporter Liu Yating
[Source: Jiupai News]
Statement: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. If there is any source error or infringement of your legal rights and interests, you can contact us through your email and we will deal with it in a timely manner. Email address: [email protected]
