Trump pleads not guilty, opts out of Georgia hearing in election case
Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently entered a not guilty plea and announced his decision to skip an upcoming hearing scheduled for September 6 in Georgia.
The hearing is part of a case that accuses Trump and 18 others of illegally attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in the state.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee had previously scheduled arraignment hearings for all defendants, including Trump.
Avoiding the spotlight and televised proceedings
Trump’s move avoids what could have been another theatrical court appearance for the former Republican president.
In other criminal cases Trump faces, he has entered the courtroom amid heightened security measures, pleading not guilty before a crowd of spectators.
Given the liberal rules around news cameras in Georgia courtrooms, Trump’s decision means he will not have to publicly enter a plea on television.
Details of the 41-count indictment
Earlier last month, Trump, along with 18 other individuals, faced a 41-count indictment.
The charges detail an alleged plot aimed at nullifying the voice of Georgia voters, who had selected Democratic candidate Joe Biden over Trump in the 2020 election.
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Other defendants follow suit
Several co-defendants in the case have also opted to waive their arraignments, sparing them from making an appearance at the courthouse situated in downtown Atlanta.
Historic mugshot in Fulton County
This development comes after Trump made history on August 24 when he turned himself in at the Fulton County Jail.
There, he became the first former U.S. president to have a mugshot taken, marking an unprecedented moment in American politics.
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