Former US president Donald Trump’s longtime advisor Steve Bannon was indicted Friday for refusing to testify to the congressional committee investigating the Capitol riot. Steve Bannon was indicted Friday for refusing to testify to the congressional committee investigating the Capitol riot (AP photograph)Former US president Donald Trump’s longtime advisor Steve Bannon was indicted Friday for refusing to testify to the congressional committee investigating the Capitol riot, the Justice Department introduced.
Bannon, who investigators suspect might have data on hyperlinks between the White House and the Trump supporters who invaded the Capitol, was charged with two counts of contempt — for ignoring subpoenas to look for a deposition and for failing to produce paperwork to the committee.The House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack subpoenaed Bannon, 67, on September 23. He was among the many first of dozens of people that have been known as to testify on the violent assault that shut down Congress because it convened to certify Joe Biden’s election win over Trump two months earlier.The committee mentioned it has motive to consider Bannon has “information relevant to understand important activities that led to and informed the events at the Capitol.”ALSO READ | Trump pardons ex-strategist Steve Bannon, dozens of othersThe committee pointed to his presence at actions centered on blocking Congress’s certification session the day earlier than, when he mentioned: “All hell is going to break loose tomorrow.”After Trump claimed govt privilege to dam aides from testifying and to stop the committee from accessing paperwork from his administration, Bannon mentioned he wouldn’t testify till questions over privilege had been resolved.The House then voted to refer contempt of Congress prices to the Justice Department. Each rely carries a penalty of 1 month to 1 yr in jail.Given the extremely political background of the case, it was not clear the Justice Department would take motion — till now.”Since my first day in office, I have promised Justice Department employees that together we would show the American people by word and deed that the department adheres to the rule of law, follows the facts and the law and pursues equal justice under the law,” Attorney General Merrick Garland mentioned in a press release.”Today’s charges reflect the department’s steadfast commitment to these principles,” he mentioned.ALSO READ | Prince Harry says he warned Twitter CEO of US Capitol riotClick right here for IndiaToday.in’s full protection of the coronavirus pandemic.