Closing arguments are due to wrap up in the high-profile corruption trial of Democratic Senator Bob Menendez, as lawyers for the congressman continue to claim that prosecutors have not proved their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Mr Menendez, 70, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he accepted brides, including gold bars, in exchange for helping foreign governments.
His lawyers began closing arguments in the case on Tuesday. They are set to finish on Wednesday before jurors are sent off to reach a verdict.
“Prosecutors have not come close to meeting their burden to show you that any of the gold or cash was given to Senator Menendez as a bribe,” Mr Menendez’s lawyer told the Manhattan court on Tuesday.
“This is a case with a lot of inferences,” Adam Fee added.
Closing arguments come after eight weeks of trial, with Mr Menendez facing 18 charges.
If convicted, the 70-year-old faces decades in prison and possible expulsion from the Democratic Party.
During the trial, prosecutors have relied on expert testimony, emails and Mr Menendez’s text messages to show what they claim is proof that the senator accepted lavish rewards from foreign governments.
They say the gifts included gold bars worth over $100,000 (£78,800), as well as hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash.
Mr Menendez’s wife, Nadine, also faces charges in the bribery case, but will go on trial at a later date. She has also pleaded not guilty.
Read more at BBC.com
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