New York Mayor Eric Adams pleads not guilty to corruption charges, rejects calls to resign
Prosecutors say Turkish diplomats and businesspeople illegally funnelled money to Adams’ campaign and showered him with luxury travel perks
New York Mayor Eric Adams pleaded not guilty on Friday to federal charges of accepting bribes and illegal campaign contributions from Turkish nationals, as the Democrat resists mounting calls from within his own party to resign.
Adams, 64, entered the plea before US Magistrate Judge Katharine Parker at his first appearance in the case in Manhattan federal court.
“I am not guilty, your honour,” Adams said when Parker asked for his plea.
Adams had previously denied wrongdoing and said he would fight the charges in court. His lawyer, Alex Spiro, said he would file a motion to dismiss the charges next week.
Members of the US Marshals Service escorted Adams and Spiro out of the courtroom.
Parker said she would release Adams on his own recognisance on the condition that he not have contact with witnesses or people named in the indictment. She said there would be exceptions for staff and family members, so long as he does not discuss the details of the indictment with them.
