Manhattan federal prosecutors have rejected Mayor Eric Adams’ attempt to dismiss one of the five criminal charges against him, which include bribery and soliciting foreign campaign donations. The charges stem from allegations that Adams accepted free or discounted gifts from Turkish officials in exchange for expediting fire safety approvals for a Manhattan skyscraper. The prosecutors argue that the conduct described in the indictment constitutes bribery and refute Adams’ claims that his actions were routine among politicians. Adams, who pleaded not guilty to the charges last month, faces trial before a jury.
Adams’ attorney, Alex Spiro, has argued that the gifts his client received were not bribes but “gratuities” common among American politicians. However, prosecutors cite communications between a Turkish official and an Adams staffer as evidence of bribery, including references to the benefits Adams received and his acknowledgment of the arrangement. They also contend that Adams’ intervention with the Turkish consulate qualifies as an official act, as he agreed to expedite fire safety approvals for the building.
The legal battle between Adams’ defense and federal prosecutors will continue, with both parties due back in court for a conference on October 30. Spiro has also requested the judge to sanction prosecutors for allegedly leaking case details to the press. The developments in the case suggest a contentious legal process ahead for the embattled mayor as he faces accusations of corruption.
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