1 year ago
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The first former U.S. president charged with a crime is convinced the case against him is politically motivated.That is a legal arena former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman knows well.He was charged in a federal bribery case while running against Gov. Bob Riley in 2005. "The judge refused to allow us to introduce evidence to the jury that the prosecutor's husband was on the campaign payroll of one of my opponents," Siegelman said.That is what Siegelman believes sets his political prosecution claims apart from many others. "I think that President Trump has to prove to the jury that there is some political motivation," Siegelman said.Former federal judge John Carroll says while Trump's new indictment could affect public opinion, it would not disqualify him from trying to take back the White House."He could run for president. You can be a president and be a felon," Carroll said.Siegelman lost his 2006 Democratic Primary in the middle of his federal trial, weeks before his conviction.Nearly two decades later, he feels prosecutors are still not above political influence."Justice is in the hands of those people who hold the power. Prosecutors and judges. If they want to manipulate the system, they can do it," Siegelman said.After being released from prison six years ago, Siegelman penned a book, titled 'Stealing Our Democracy.'
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —
The first former U.S. president charged with a crime is convinced the case against him is politically motivated.
That is a legal arena former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman knows well.
He was charged in a federal bribery case while running against Gov. Bob Riley in 2005.
"The judge refused to allow us to introduce evidence to the jury that the prosecutor's husband was on the campaign payroll of one of my opponents," Siegelman said.
That is what Siegelman believes sets his political prosecution claims apart from many others.
"I think that President Trump has to prove to the jury that there is some political motivation," Siegelman said.
Former federal judge John Carroll says while Trump's new indictment could affect public opinion, it would not disqualify him from trying to take back the White House.
"He could run for president. You can be a president and be a felon," Carroll said.
Siegelman lost his 2006 Democratic Primary in the middle of his federal trial, weeks before his conviction.
Nearly two decades later, he feels prosecutors are still not above political influence.
"Justice is in the hands of those people who hold the power. Prosecutors and judges. If they want to manipulate the system, they can do it," Siegelman said.
After being released from prison six years ago, Siegelman penned a book, titled 'Stealing Our Democracy.'
English (US)