Trump pleads not guilty in Georgia election subversion case and seeks to sever his case from others

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Former President Donald Trump entered a plea of not guilty in the Georgia election subversion case, where he is accused, along with 18 others, of attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 election in the state. Trump’s legal team also requested that his case be separated from the co-defendants who have sought an expedited trial, scheduled to commence on October 23rd. This move is aimed at allowing Trump more time to prepare his defense against the extensive 98-page indictment.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee had initially set arraignment hearings for Trump and the co-defendants on September 6th. However, by waiving the arraignment, Trump avoids a physical presence in court, sparing him from the spectacle of entering a “not guilty” plea before an audience of onlookers. This choice also spares him from having to enter a plea on live television, thanks to the lenient rules regarding news cameras in Georgia courtrooms.

The Fulton County District Attorney, Fani Willis, expressed her desire for a consolidated trial for all defendants. She proposed an October 23rd trial date encompassing all individuals charged in the case. This approach seeks to address the complexities inherent in coordinating the trial of 19 defendants simultaneously.

The legal maneuvering prior to the trial highlights the challenges posed by the expansive nature of the case. The indictment, comprising 41 counts, outlines an alleged conspiracy to undermine the election outcome in favor of Joe Biden. The case is brought under Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), adding to its intricacy.

Several defendants, including Trump, have opted to avoid the arraignment process, sparing them a trip to the courthouse. Notably, during a visit to Georgia on August 24th, Trump turned himself in at the Fulton County Jail, becoming the first former president to have a mug shot taken.

The legal landscape is further complicated by the demands of a speedy trial by some defendants, such as Kenneth Chesebro, who was part of a scheme involving fraudulent certificates. These competing demands and strategies introduce delays and complexities, with some defendants even attempting to move their cases to federal court.

Trump, a prominent contender in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, has characterized the charges against him as politically motivated, alleging an attempt to hinder his potential return to the White House. As this legal saga unfolds, the dynamics of the case and the judicial decisions made will undoubtedly shape the course of this high-profile trial.

Contributions to this report were made by Sudhin Thanawala in Atlanta and Eric Tucker in Washington from Big Big News.

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• Former President Donald Trump pleads not guilty in Georgia election subversion case
• Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO)
• Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis
• Trump’s claims of politically motivated charges