Trump pleads not guilty to 2020 election interference charges
What's the story
Former United States (US) President Donald Trump on Thursday pleaded "not guilty" to charges that he orchestrated a criminal conspiracy to try to overturn his 2020 poll defeat.
The US prosecutors had called it an unprecedented effort by him to undermine American democracy.
According to the news agency Reuters, Trump told reporters after the hearing, "This is a very sad day for America."
Context
Why does this story matter?
This is the third time the former US president has pleaded not guilty since April, with months of pretrial legal battle expected ahead against the backdrop of the much-anticipated 2024 presidential campaign.
Despite all of this, Trump is still the front-runner for the Republican nomination to go up against Democrat President Joe Biden in next year's presidential polls.
Details
Trump released under specific conditions: Know them
Upon entering his plea of not guilty, the former US president was released on the grounds that he would abide by all federal, state, and local laws.
The court also instructed him to avoid discussing the case with any witnesses.
The next hearing in the case will take place on August 28.
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Details on Jack Smith's indictment
Notably, Trump was apprehended and arraigned on four felony counts outlined in special counsel Jack Smith's indictment.
They include conspiracy to defraud the US, conspiracy to block a legal proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct a legal proceeding, and conspiracy against rights.
The arraignment came two days after Smith's office accused Trump of executing a "criminal scheme" to remain in the oval office.
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Charges against Trump
Smith's 45-page indictment asserts that the former US president and his associates spread lies alleging widespread fraud during the 2020 presidential election while assembling slates of fake electors in major battleground states.
As per the news outlet The Guardian, the indictment also talks about six co-conspirators of the 77-year-old who weren't charged in the indictment.
Further information
Security beefed up around courthouse during hearing: Report
Security was beefed up around the E. Barrett Prettyman federal courthouse, where the hearing took place on Thursday, with the police patrolling the area and metal barricades blocking access.
However, a small group of people holding anti-Trump placards turned up outside the courthouse during the hearing, reported AFP.
"Jail Trump Forever," one sign read, while "Trump 24" read another one.