Michael Cohen Alleges Coercion by New York Prosecutors in Trump Cases
NEW YORK, N.Y. — Michael Cohen, former personal attorney to President Donald Trump, has publicly accused New York prosecutors of pressuring and coercing him into providing testimony designed to secure convictions against the former president. Cohen, a key witness in two high-profile cases brought by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and the New York Attorney General’s Office, made these allegations in a statement released Friday.
Cohen specifically named New York Attorney General Letitia James and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg as the officials who pursued evidence with a predetermined goal to build cases against Trump. According to Cohen, prosecutors showed little interest in testimony that did not align with their narrative, effectively pushing him to tailor his statements to fit their prosecutorial objectives.
“I felt pressured and coerced to only provide information and testimony that would satisfy the government’s desire to build the cases against and secure a judgment and convictions against President Trump,” Cohen wrote. This assertion raises questions about the conduct of the investigations, which have been closely watched given their political sensitivity.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and the New York Attorney General’s Office have been conducting extensive inquiries into Trump’s business practices and financial dealings. These investigations have led to several legal challenges and have been a focal point in the broader scrutiny of the former president’s activities since leaving office. The Manhattan DA’s office and the New York Attorney General’s office have declined to comment on Cohen’s allegations.
Cohen’s role as a witness has been pivotal in these cases, given his close professional relationship with Trump during the years under investigation. His testimony has been cited as critical evidence in efforts to establish wrongdoing. However, his recent claims suggest that the integrity of his statements may have been compromised by prosecutorial tactics.
The controversy adds to the ongoing debate over the use of legal mechanisms in politically charged cases. Critics of the investigations argue that prosecutors may be engaging in what some term “lawfare,” using the courts as tools for political ends. Supporters contend that the investigations are necessary to uphold the rule of law and hold powerful individuals accountable.
Legal experts note that allegations of coercion or pressure in witness testimony are serious and could potentially impact the admissibility of evidence or the credibility of the prosecution’s case. The Department of Justice provides guidelines on prosecutorial conduct and witness treatment, emphasizing fairness and impartiality.
As the cases proceed, the spotlight remains on how prosecutors handle testimony and evidence, particularly in cases involving high-profile political figures. The unfolding developments will likely influence public perceptions of justice and the legal process in politically sensitive investigations.
For more information on the Manhattan District Attorney’s ongoing investigations, visit their official site at nyc.gov. Details on the New York Attorney General’s work can be found at ag.ny.gov. The U.S. Department of Justice also provides resources on prosecutorial ethics and legal standards.
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