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Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon sentenced to 4 months in prison for contempt of Congress

Steve Bannon, Trump’s former adviser, received a sentence of 4 months in prison on Friday for contempt of Congress. Judge Carl Nichols, appointed by Trump, determined that Bannon would serve that sentence for each of the two counts against him, albeit simultaneously. However, Nichols clarified that the former adviser will not go to jail until an appeal from his lawyers is resolved. Bannon must also pay a $6,500 fine, the court ruled.

Before sentencing, Bannon told the judge that he did not wish to speak during the hearing: “My attorneys have spoken for me, your honor.” However, as he left court he briefly addressed the media and assured that this was his sentencing day, but that the Democrats will have their own in the midterm elections in November.

“I respect the judge, the sentence he issued, I have been totally respectful throughout this process in the legal aspect,” he said. “Today was my sentencing day by the judge. And he mentioned appeal, and we’re going to have a vigorous appeal process,” he continued. On November 8th  there will be a trial of the illegitimate Biden regime…and, frankly, Nancy Pelosi and the entire committee will be tried”, he added.

What’s next now? According to the judge, the former Trump adviser has 14 days to file an appeal. If he doesn’t, he must take steps to voluntarily surrender by Nov. 15th, he said. However, Bannon’s lawyers have already made it clear that they plan to appeal the sentence: “We certainly fully respect the judge’s decision. But we will file a notice of appeal as directed,” David Schoen, an attorney for Bannon, said Friday. “I’ve said it before and I would confirm it, I think the appeal in this case is bulletproof,” he insisted.

This ruling represents a milestone in the Justice Department’s response to the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol.