Bring criminal charges against Donald Trump for Jan 6 riots at Capitol Hill: House committee's advice

In fresh trouble for former US President Donald Trump, a Congressional committee has recommended that criminal charges be levelled against him for the riots at the Capitol Hill on 6 January 2021.

The House committee, made up of 7 Democrats and 2 Republicans, urged the Justice Department on 19 December 2022 to bring criminal charges against Trump for a "multi-part conspiracy" to overturn election results.

At its final meeting, the committee alleged violations of four criminal statutes by Trump, in both the run-up to the riot and during the insurrection itself, as it recommended the former president for prosecution to the Justice Department.

Among the charges they recommend for prosecution is aiding an insurrection — an effort to hold him directly accountable for his supporters who stormed the Capitol that day.

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The committee also voted to refer conservative lawyer John Eastman, who devised dubious legal manoeuvers aimed at keeping Trump in power, for prosecution on two of the same statutes as Trump: conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstructing an official proceeding.

The committee's advice is symbolic, but is expected to intensify the political battle. The US Justice Department will make the final decision.

(With agency inputs)