U.S: Senator Menendez Pleads Not Guilty To Corruption Charges

Top United States Senator Bob Menendez has pleaded not guilty to corruption charges amid growing calls for his resignation.

Menendez entered his not-guilty plea in Federal Court in New York on Wednesday, just days after the Democratic Party legislator expressed confidence that he  would be exonerated in the criminal case.

The senator’s four co-defendants, his wife Nadine Menendez and businessmen Jose Uribe, Fred Daibes and Wael Hana  also pleaded not guilty this week.

Dozens of Menendez’s fellow Democrats in Congress have urged him to step down since the indictment was announced late last week, underscoring mounting political pressure against the longtime Senator.

So far, Menendez has temporarily withdrawn from his role as Chair of the influential Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, but he has vowed to fight the charges against him.

“I firmly believe that when all the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated, but I still will be New Jersey’s Senior Senator,” he told reporters.

Federal prosecutors have accused Menedez of accepting bribes in exchange for political favours, including advancing Egyptian Government interests.

ALJAZEERA