Prosecutors in Arizona's fake electors case dispute defendants' allegations of a political motive
Prosecutors are defending their case against Republicans accused of plotting to overturn the results of the close 2020 presidential race in Arizona after defense attorneys painted them as politically motivated
PHOENIX (AP) — A three-day hearing on whether to dismiss charges against Republicans accused of plotting to overturn the results of the close 2020 presidential race in Arizona concluded Wednesday with prosecutors insisting their case is not politically motivated after defendants argued their alleged conduct was constitutionally protected free speech.
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Bruce Cohen is considering requests from at least a dozen of 18 people indicted in April to dismiss charges of fraud, conspiracy and forgery. Those charged in the case include 11 people who submitted a document falsely claiming Donald Trump defeated Joe Biden in Arizona, two former Trump aides and five lawyers connected to Trump, including Rudy Giuliani.
Trump was not charged but was referred to as an unindicted co-conspirator in the indictment.
