The Mayor of New York Eric Adams today pleaded not guilty to charges of bribery and illegal financing of his election campaign by Turkish citizens.
Adams, 64, appeared for the first time today on federal court in Manhattan and pleaded “not guilty” when Judge Katharine Parker asked if he accepted the charges.
Adams denies any irregularity and says the charges will be dropped in court. His lawyer, Alex Spiro, said next week he will ask for the charges to be dismissed.
Parker said he would release Adams on the condition that he not contact witnesses or people named in the indictment. He added that municipal employees and their families are exempt, as long as they do not discuss the details of the case with them.
“I will continue to do my job as mayor,” Adams himself said at a press conference he held, rejecting calls even from within his own party, the Democrats, for him to resign.
The indictment released Thursday alleges that Turkish diplomats and businessmen gave money to Adams’ election campaign and showered him with gifts ranging from stays at luxury hotels to meals at expensive restaurants.
In return, in 2021, Adams pushed for municipal services to give the green light to Türkiye’s new 36-story consulate in the city, despite concerns about the building’s security.
If convicted, the mayor could face several years in prison.
From Ankara, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Türkiye’s diplomatic missions implement the Vienna Convention and diplomatic traditions and will not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.
“There is no question of getting involved in the internal affairs of any country. We are closely following the ongoing legal proceedings in New York. Of course, we reserve our rights, which derive from the Vienna Convention,” said the ministry representative.
Source: RES/MPE