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Georgia court dismisses three Trump election interference charges
(MENAFN) A Georgia judge has officially dismissed three of the 35 charges against President Donald Trump in the state’s 2020 election interference case. The decision, made Friday in Fulton County, removes counts tied to conspiracy, criminal attempt to file false documents, and filing false documents—charges that Trump’s lawyers argued were beyond Georgia’s legal authority.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee had indicated in September 2024 that he intended to remove these counts, but was unable to act until the case was remanded following the disqualification of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. Willis was removed after it emerged she had a romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade, whom she had hired to lead the investigation, raising concerns of a conflict of interest.
Earlier in March 2024, McAfee had already dismissed six counts from the indictment, including three involving Trump. Despite Friday’s ruling, the former president still faces 32 charges linked to efforts to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election results following his loss to President Joe Biden.
Trump’s attorney, Steve Sadow, said the defense remains “confident that a fair and impartial review will lead to a dismissal of the case.”
The ruling coincided with Peter Skandalakis assuming the prosecutorial role left vacant by Willis. Skandalakis, head of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia, appointed himself after his organization was unable to find a replacement in time. The judge had warned that without a designated prosecutor, all charges could have been dismissed.
Skandalakis confirmed that his team is reviewing evidence collected by Willis, including 101 boxes of documents and an eight-terabyte hard drive. He said the self-appointment ensures a thorough and transparent assessment before deciding how to proceed.
Earlier this week, Trump issued pardons for several individuals accused of aiding his attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Skandalakis noted, however, that presidential pardons only cover federal offenses, leaving the 14 co-defendants facing Georgia state charges ineligible for clemency if convicted.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee had indicated in September 2024 that he intended to remove these counts, but was unable to act until the case was remanded following the disqualification of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. Willis was removed after it emerged she had a romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade, whom she had hired to lead the investigation, raising concerns of a conflict of interest.
Earlier in March 2024, McAfee had already dismissed six counts from the indictment, including three involving Trump. Despite Friday’s ruling, the former president still faces 32 charges linked to efforts to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election results following his loss to President Joe Biden.
Trump’s attorney, Steve Sadow, said the defense remains “confident that a fair and impartial review will lead to a dismissal of the case.”
The ruling coincided with Peter Skandalakis assuming the prosecutorial role left vacant by Willis. Skandalakis, head of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia, appointed himself after his organization was unable to find a replacement in time. The judge had warned that without a designated prosecutor, all charges could have been dismissed.
Skandalakis confirmed that his team is reviewing evidence collected by Willis, including 101 boxes of documents and an eight-terabyte hard drive. He said the self-appointment ensures a thorough and transparent assessment before deciding how to proceed.
Earlier this week, Trump issued pardons for several individuals accused of aiding his attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Skandalakis noted, however, that presidential pardons only cover federal offenses, leaving the 14 co-defendants facing Georgia state charges ineligible for clemency if convicted.
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