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Washington (AP) - Donald Trump's defense lawyers have failed in their attempt to stop the impeachment proceedings against the former US president at the very beginning.
They had argued that the process was unconstitutional because Trump was no longer in office.
With a vote, the US Senate assessed the procedure as constitutional and thus cleared the way for the further procedure.
This will allow prosecutors and defense lawyers to present their arguments on the matter from Wednesday.
Prosecutors argued that Trump would have to answer for his actions as president until the last day in office - and thus also for his supporters' attack on the Capitol two weeks before he left the White House.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210209-99-372830 / 2
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Background paper of the CRS on impeachment and suspension of office
Background paper of the CRS on impeachment against ex-presidents
Initial statement from Trump attorneys
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First statement by the prosecutors
New statement from Trump lawyers
New statement by the prosecutors
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Resolution on the expiration
Video clip of the prosecution at the start of the proceedings