Trump sentenced, spared jail in hush-money case

KABUL (Pajhwok): A New York judge has sentenced US President-elect Donald Trump in the hush-money payment case, the BBC reported on Saturday.

Spared any penalty, including imprisonment or a fine, Trump will still return as the first US president with a felony conviction.

Before announcing the sentence, the judge said: "Never before has this court been presented with such a unique and remarkable set of circumstances."

Widely expected as it was, the sentence came after a hush-money payment to an adult film performer during the 2016 election.

Justice Juan Merchan, calling it a truly extraordinary case, said after Trump’s conviction, the case took a new turn with his election in November for a second term in office.

Allowed to speak via a video call from Florida, the president-elect insisted: "This has been a very terrible experience."

The incoming president claimed the case was brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg for political reasons.

With the closing of the courtroom doors, it was no more unique than all the other cases taking place at the same time, Justice Merchan commented.

The decision, reflecting respect for rule of law, came days ahead of Trump’s inauguration, scheduled for Jan. 20.

PAN Monitor/mud