One of the leaders of the American far-right Oath Keeper, Stewart Rhodes, was sentenced today to 18 years in prison.
Specifically, he was found guilty of “conspiracy to stage” and other offenses related to the invasion of the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
It is considered the heaviest sentence imposed to date in the case. The charge was for “attempting to overthrow or destroy by force the government of the United States.”
“You represent a permanent threat and danger to the country,” federal judge Emit Meta told Rhodes, the founder of the Oath Keepers organization, who appeared defiant in court, saying he is a “political prisoner.”
“For decades, Mr. Rhodes, it is clear that you wanted democracy to degenerate in this country. You are not a political prisoner” retorted the judge.
