The former chief strategist of ex-President Donald Trump, Steve Bannon, has been charged with disregard of Congress on two counts. He is accused of having resisted the summons of the House of Representatives' committee of inquiry to forcibly storm the Capitol, the US Department of Justice said on Friday. In addition, he did not provide the body with the required documents. If convicted, Bannon could face a prison sentence of at least 30 days and up to a year per charge. In addition, a fine of up to $ 1000 is possible on either count.
After 67-year-old Bannon refused to cooperate with the investigation, the House of Representatives and a majority of the Democrats paved the way for criminal action against Bannon in late October. The decision on a possible charge was then the responsibility of the Justice Department. Minister Merrick Garland has now said that the indictment of a so-called grand jury against Bannon demonstrates that the judiciary adheres to the facts and the law, which applies equally to all people.
Supporters of Republican Trump stormed the seat of the US Congress on January 6th.
Five people were killed, including a police officer.
Trump had to face impeachment proceedings for the attack because he had previously incited his supporters in a speech.
In the end, he was acquitted.
Bannon, in turn, is suspected of having had prior knowledge of plans for violent protests.
The day before he had said in his podcast, among other things: "Tomorrow all hell breaks loose."
Trump's former White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows, also refused to appear before the investigative committee on Friday.
He is also threatened with criminal action.