Armenian diaspora-supporting senator faces 16 charges

Anti-Turkish U.S. Sen. Menendez faces 212 years in prison in a bribery case in which he is charged with 16 separate crimes

The bribery and corruption case against U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, an A-plus supporter of the Armenian diaspora organization ANCA who is known for his anti-Türkiye sentiments, has begun. Menendez faced the judge as his trial unfolded with 16 distinct charges. If convicted, he could potentially face a maximum sentence of 212 years in prison

Menendez, former chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was indicted in the U.S. on bribery and corruption charges. 

He arrived at the New York Southern District Federal Court with his lawyer and refrained from making any statements to the press. The 70-year-old senator took his place in the courtroom with his lawyer for the first day of jury selection and other trial procedures. The court, which has more than 100 prospective jurors, will proceed to opening statements after the selection of 12 original and six alternate jurors.

The 39-page indictment, filed on Sept. 22, 2023, accuses Menendez and his Armenian-born wife, Nadine (Arslanian) Menendez, of involvement in a vast bribery scheme in exchange for political favors.

Apart from the discovery of gold bars and hidden cash during a search of his residence, the indictment highlights Menendez’s significant influence on official aid to Egypt. This influence was particularly prominent during his tenure as the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which wields considerable power over congressional decisions regarding military aid to foreign nations. The indictment also points to Menendez’s associations with Egyptian business figures and companies in New Jersey.

Source: Newsroom