US DOJ Lowers Prosecutor's Sentence Recommendation for Trump Ally... 'Lead Prosecutor Resigns in Protest'

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The U.S. Department of Justice is embroiled in controversy for intervening in the prosecution's sentencing recommendation against a close aide of U.S. President Donald Trump. Prosecutors in charge have resigned in protest against the DOJ's actions.

On the 11th (local time), according to major U.S. media outlets, four prosecutors announced they would withdraw from the case after the DOJ altered the sentencing recommendation for Roger Stone, a close aide of President Trump.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Stone, a longtime friend of President Trump, was indicted on charges including obstruction of justice and witness tampering during the investigation into the Russia scandal. The prosecution initially sought a prison sentence of 7 to 9 years for Stone. The Russia scandal involves allegations that Trump's election campaign colluded and conspired with Russia during the last presidential election.

President Trump reacted on Twitter, opposing the prosecution's sentencing recommendation. He called it "terrible and very unfair" and said, "I cannot accept the wrongful application of the law."

Shortly after Trump's remarks, the U.S. Department of Justice announced it would take measures to reduce the sentencing recommendation against Stone. Legal experts have pointed out that it is highly unusual for the court to intervene in the prosecution's sentencing recommendation.

It is reported that some prosecutors have expressed their intention to resign not only from the case but also from their positions as prosecutors.

The DOJ stated that the current sentencing recommendation was "excessive" and revised the sentence. If Stone is found guilty, the DOJ is said to have significantly lowered the recommended sentence from the original 7-9 years to around 3-4 years.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.