Reactions after the corruption lawsuit against the mayor of New York, Eric Adams

2024-09-28 21:20:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

This week, New York City's Democratic mayor, Eric Adams, was indicted in a federal indictment on multiple corruption charges. Mr. Adams, a former police chief who later entered the political scene, pleaded not guilty in court and claimed that prosecutors are attacking him after he criticized the immigration policies of President Joe Biden's administration. Voice of America correspondent Aron Ranen reports from New York about the lawsuit and reactions.

In a shocking development, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on multiple charges, including campaign finance violations, bribery and conspiracy, sending shockwaves through New York City and the scene. national politics.

"Today we announced bribery, campaign finance and conspiracy charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Mayor Adams engaged in long-term solicitation and knowingly receiving illegal campaign contributions from donors and corporations foreigners," said New York State Attorney Damian Williams.

Prosecutors argue that the mayor took money from a Turkish government official and Turkish businessmen in exchange for favors for them.

New York mayor sued/Federal investigation and campaign finance allegations
September 26, 09:32

"We also allege that the mayor solicited and received over $100,000 in benefits in the form of luxury travel from some of the same foreign actors who enabled many of the illegal campaign contributions," said prosecutor Williams.

Mayor Adams denies these allegations.

"We're not surprised we've gotten to this point. I asked New Yorkers to wait, to hear our defense arguments before jumping to any conclusions. Based on what I've read, it's clear that if these are campaign violations, I know they don't I broke campaign rules; if it's for foreign donors, I know I don't take money from foreign donors," Mayor Adams said.

He insisted that his day-to-day responsibilities as mayor will remain unchanged.

"My attorneys will now take care of the litigation so I can take care of the city. My day-to-day duties will not change. I will continue to work for the 8.3 million New Yorkers I was elected to serve," said Mr. Adams.

New Yorkers reacted with mixed opinions.

Veliaj and Adams, the two friendly mayors under investigation
September 26, 11:39

"I think it's terrible. I think the city deserves a lot better and that everyone needs to go, the whole Adams team," said New York City resident Patrick Sullivan.

"Of course there's going to be problems, but I don't think in terms of getting campaign funds, if he's done that, I'm not convinced he should step down," said David Fischer, a New York resident.

Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani says these charges are historic.

"This is a historic indictment, the first time a sitting mayor has been indicted in New York City, and it's something federal officials don't take lightly. It has to go to the highest levels of the Justice Department to to get the approval to file charges against an elected official", says Mr. Rahmani.

He also notes that the charges could result in a lengthy prison sentence.

"Adams faces up to 45 years in federal prison; the most serious charges are wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. And because of the amount of fraud, which is in the millions of dollars, according to the framework under the law, he risks spending several years in prison, even if he is not given the maximum," says Mr. Rahmani.

As Mayor Adams continues in office, the political and legal drama is likely to escalate as many wait to see how the defense will play out and what effect this court case will have on the future of New York City government.