NYC mayor Eric Adams charged with taking bribes from foreigners
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The news: New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on five federal charges accusing him of bribery, wire fraud and soliciting illegal foreign donations, which he claims he did not commit.
The numbers: The unsealed indictment, led by Damian Williams, US attorney for the Southern District of New York, alleges Adams accepted luxury travel and gifts valued at over USD100,000 ($145,160) from wealthy businesspeople and at least one Turkish government official.
In return, Adams is accused of providing favourable treatment, including pressuring the Fire Department to approve a Turkish consulate.
The context: The charges have triggered calls for his resignation.
But Adams, defiant and surrounded by supporters at a press conference that was interrupted by protesters, insisted he's innocent and said he would not resign, urging the public to hear his defence.
Governor Kathy Hochul, who has the power to remove Adams from office, is reviewing the situation, she said. Adams could also be removed through an “inability committee,” according to the City Charter, CNN reported, adding that sources close to Hochul said she was not considering removing him at this point.
What they said: “My number one responsibility is to make sure that the people of New York City and the state of New York are served,” Hochul told reporters.
“This is a very serious matter that is unfolding,” she added, saying she would be "deliberative and thoughtful" in weighing whether to remove Adams, an ally.
“My day to day will not change,” said Adams. “We are not surprised. We expected this. I ask New Yorkers to wait to hear our defence.”
The sources: The New York Times , CNN
