United States: Far-right leader Stuart Rhodes sentenced to 18 years in prison for ‘sedition’ in Capitol attack

Stuart Rhodes, one of the figures of the American far right, was sentenced on Thursday to eighteen years in prison for “sedition”, the highest sentence to date for the attack on the Capitol. The founder of the militia “Oath Defenders” Took a defiant position until the end: “I am a political prisoner”, “My only crime is opposing those who are destroying our country”He said before hearing his punishment.

Federal Judge Amit Mehta put him in his place: “You are not a political prisoner, Mr. Rhodes.”she said. “You are here because twelve jurors (…) found you guilty of sedition”, “One of the worst crimes an American can commit”.

The charge, which involves planning to use force against the government, is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. But prosecutors asked for twenty-five years against Stewart Rhodes, relying on a device that would allow for increased sentences for acts of nature. “terrorist”. Without following them in full, Justice Mehta endorsed their analysis on this point. “Acts of intimidation or coercion intended to burden the authorities” According to him, it belongs to this category.

He also justified the harshness of the sentence by the leadership role and lack of remorse of 58-year-old ex-serviceman Stuart Rhodes. “You are a constant threat and danger to the country”argued the magistrate.

On January 6, 2021, thousands of Donald Trump supporters sowed chaos and violence in the seat of Congress as elected officials confirmed the victory of his rival Joe Biden in the presidential election. A large-scale investigation resulted in the arrest of more than a thousand people. Almost three hundred people were sentenced to imprisonment, the most severe of which was fourteen years.

“General on the battlefield”

But only ten activists from far-right groups – six members “Oath Defenders” and four “Proud Boys” – found guilty “rebellion” After three separate trials in Washington. After weeks of hearings, jurors felt they had prepared, stockpiled weapons and conducted military drills on Capitol Hill to prevent Donald Trump from being officially defeated.

On D-Day, Stuart Rhodes, known for his black eyes and fiery roar, stayed outside the Capitol, but prosecutors say he directed his troops by radio. “Like a general on the battlefield”. During his trial, he was denied by the jury “planned” attack and claimed that “homework” Oath Guards to Secure Demonstration Called by Donald Trump for Presumptive Impeachment “Election Fraud”.

He assessed that he was presented with a completed case “stupid” That Kelly Maggs, who leads Oath Defenders Florida, entered the Capitol. “This opened the door for our political persecution”, she said. Kelly Maggs, also convicted of sedition, will be sentenced later Thursday.