Michael Flynn sentencing: Judge tells ex-Trump national security adviser ‘you sold your country out’ in hearing that ends with delay
Judge tells Flynn 'you sold your country out' during contentious hearing that ends with delay
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A judge has fiercely criticised Michael Flynn, Donald Trump‘s short-lived national security advisor, as he postponed his sentencing for lying to the FBI over contact with Russian officials during the 2016 presidential election campaign.
US District Judge Emmet Sullivan said Flynn had "arguably" sold out his country by lying to federal investigators in 2017, adding, "All along, you were an unregistered agent of a foreign country while serving as the National Security Adviser to the President of the United States."
The sentencing was postponed pending a status report in March, despite Special Counsel Robert Mueller suggesting Flynn receive little to no jail time due to his cooperation in the federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
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Michael Flynn’s lawyers have requested Judge Sullivan delay sentencing in the case.
The request from Michael Flynn’s attorneys to delay sentencing arrives after contentious sentencing hearing in which Judge Sullivan asked whether he could have been charged under the Logan Act or any other crimes, including treason.
An attorney for Michael Flynn told Judge Sullivan they believe the only information he has not yet provided which may be of use to investigators surrounds the Alexandria probe into his two former business associates whose indictments were unsealed last night.
“He has held nothing back,” the attorney said, adding the investigation “is the only area in which there is anything left to give.”
Judge Sullivan has concluded the court hearing for the day, signing off with a festive goodbye: "Thank you all and happy holidays."
Donald Trump has a long history of publicly supporting Michael Flynn, including during today's hearing when he tweeted out a "good luck" message to his former National Security Adviser who plead guilty to lying to federal investigators.
As Michael Flynn left the courthouse, demonstrators chanted "Lock him up!" and "USA!"
HuffPost's Ryan Reilly managed to catch a quick question with Michael Flynn Jr. He asked about Judge Sullivan commenting on the possibility of treason, to which the ex-National Security Adviser's son responded, "How would you react if your father was called treasonous? Or if that word was even used?"
The judge has requested a status report on whether Michael Flynn is prepared for a sentencing by March 13.
To be clear, the status hearing in March is not an actual sentencing hearing. Michael Flynn’s lawyers and federal prosecutors will report on his cooperation in the remaining cases he is linked to and a sentencing hearing will then be set for a later date.
Here's footage of Michael Flynn leaving the Washington courthouse as demonstrators chant "Lock him up!" and "USA!"
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