ISTANBUL: In a significant development regarding efforts to overturn the 2020 election, the Arizona grand jury indicted Wednesday several individuals, including prominent allies of former US President Donald Trump. The indictment, spanning 58 pages, outlines felony charges of conspiracy, fraud, and forgery against 18 individuals closely associated with Trump's campaign and administration. Among those indicted are former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, attorneys Rudy Giuliani and Boris Epshteyn, and several others identified by their roles and descriptions within the document. The indictment also identified Trump as "Unindicted Coconspirator 1." The charges stem from a scheme described in the indictment, aimed at preventing the lawful transfer of the presidency by keeping Trump "in office against the will of Arizona's voters." Key figures involved in the alleged conspiracy include Rudy Giuliani, who is described as having spread false claims of election fraud and pressured officials to change the election outcome. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, leading the investigation, emphasized the seriousness of the indictments, which also target 11 Republicans who falsely posed as Arizona's presidential electors despite US President Joe Biden's victory in the state. Notable among them are former Arizona GOP Chairwoman Kelli Ward and state senators Jake Hoffman and Anthony Kern. "These are serious indictments, but this is the first hurdle the state must pass in our constitutional criminal justice system. We intend to prove these crimes were committed beyond a reasonable doubt," Mayes noted. Mayes' investigation, part of a broader effort to address election subversion, has gained momentum in recent months. Witnesses, including individuals from Trump's national orbit, have been subpoenaed, contributing to the extensive probe. Despite political differences among the grand jurors, their proactive approach underscores the gravity of the charges and the determination to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. This indictment marks another significant legal development in the aftermath of the 2020 election, underscoring ongoing efforts to hold accountable those involved in attempts to undermine democratic norms and institutions. Source: Anadolu Agency
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