Steve Bannon, the former adviser to US President Donald Trump, was found guilty of contempt of parliament on Friday by a jury. Bannon is the first close Trump confidant to be convicted over the January 6, 2021 storming of the Capitol.
Bannon, 68, ignored a Congressional subpoena to testify in the Capitol storming investigation. In doing so, he openly insulted the government. He also refused to provide the court with any documents requested.
A jury will rule Friday after a five-day session in Washington court that Bannon is guilty. A judge will determine what punishment he will receive. Both charges carry a prison sentence of thirty days to two years, news agency reports AP. In addition, he can be fined between 100 and 100,000 dollars (98 to 98,000 euros).
Bannon for a long time refused to cooperate in the investigation into the storming of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. He invoked the immunity of advisers to the president, which prevents them from discussing confidential matters. The fact that Bannon has now been found guilty is a major victory for the Commission of Inquiry, which is mainly led by Democrats.
“We may have lost a battle today, but the war continues,” Bannon said after the jury’s decision.
Important witness
Bannon’s attorney announced earlier this month that Trump has lifted Bannon’s nondisclosure agreement in a letter. Now Bannon is allowed to give his view on the events.
The Commission of Inquiry considers Bannon an important witness, partly because he warned that “all hell will break loose” on January 6. He also spoke to Trump a day before the storming.
According to the prosecutor, Bannon could have information about possible links between the White House and the stormers of the Capitol. The trial continues on Wednesday.