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Donald Trump was convicted this Friday in a historic case related to irregular payments made to silence former adult film actress Stormy Daniels, becoming the first U.S. president to receive a criminal conviction.
However, the ruling was symbolic, as it does not entail imprisonment or a fine, and an "unconditional release" was granted to him, reported the agency EFE.
Trump, who listened to the verdict via video conference, will not have to fulfill any other obligations before the court.
The sentence comes after a jury found him guilty in May 2024 of 34 crimes related to the falsification of business records to buy Daniels' silence before the 2016 presidential election, which Trump won.
The case arose from an extramarital relationship that is said to have been kept secret during the campaign.
Judge Juan Merchan, who issued the ruling, emphasized that although the case may seem extraordinary, at its core it is an ordinary process, similar to other legal cases, and that he could not "overturn the jury's verdict."
Trump, dressed in a blue suit and a striped red tie, declined the judge's handshake and described the experience as "horrible," while insisting on his innocence: "I am completely innocent, I did nothing wrong."
After the sentence was announced, he published a message in which he compared it to a "defeat in the witch hunt" that, according to him, has been led by the Democratic Party.
He stated that the "radical Democrats" had failed in their attempts to attack him and that the American people, by giving him an "overwhelming mandate" in the 2024 elections, had spoken.
Despite his comments, Trump stated that he will appeal the sentence, calling it a "despicable mockery" and a baseless case, arguing that "THERE IS NO CASE, THERE NEVER WAS."
Although the sentence does not include prison time or monetary penalties, the conviction marks a historic moment in American politics, as no elected president has ever been convicted of a crime before.
Frequently asked questions about Donald Trump's conviction in the Stormy Daniels case
What does Donald Trump's conviction in the Stormy Daniels case mean?
The conviction of Donald Trump in the Stormy Daniels case is historic, as he is the first elected president of the United States to receive a criminal conviction. However, the sentence is symbolic, as it does not include jail time or fines, and he was granted "unconditional release."
Why was Donald Trump convicted?
Donald Trump was convicted of falsifying business records related to payments made to silence Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential elections. These payments aimed to prevent the disclosure of an alleged extramarital affair.
Will Trump go to prison for this conviction?
No, Trump will not go to prison for this conviction. The sentence does not include jail time or financial penalties, and he was granted "unconditional release."
How does this conviction affect Trump's political future?
Although the sentence is symbolic, it sets a historic precedent and could influence public perception of Trump as a political leader. Additionally, this is just one of several legal accusations he faces, which complicates his second term.
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