Former American Senator Bob Menendez said a 11-year prison sentence for bribery | News of the courts

Menendez, once a powerful figure in American foreign policy, has been found guilty of selling the influence of the Egyptian government.

Robert MenendezFormer Senator of the United States representing New Jersey, a 11-year prison sentence was imposed on the bribery schemes that included receiving gold bars in exchange for benefits on behalf of Egypt.

Wednesday, in sad testimony, Menendez He told the Manhattan Federal Court that he had lost everything he loved as a result of corruption charges, except for his wife’s support.

“For someone who has spent all his life in a public service, every day I am awake is punishment,” said Menendez, Democrat.

Menendez was once a strong figure in American politics, chairing the Senate Out -of -Senate Committee.

He also collected the reputation of the open supporter of Jastreb’s foreign policy: for example, he interrupted with democratic ranks to object to the 2015 agreement, which would limit the Iranian nuclear program in exchange for assistance in sanctions.

But in July 2024, the court declared him guilty of the action of a foreign agent on behalf of the Egyptian government and a trade influence on cash, gold and even Mercedes-Benz car.

“You were successful, powerful. You stood at the top of our political system,” said US District Judge Sidney Stein at a hearing on Wednesday.

“Somewhere along the way – and I don’t know when it was – you lost the way, and working for public good, they became working for your good.”

Menendez, for his part, appealed to court, citing his record in a public service.

“You really don’t know the man you will soon say,” Menendez said tearfully told Stein in the courtroom.

“Honor, I’m far from the perfect man. I made more than my share of mistakes and bad decisions, “he added.” I did far more than bad. Please, honor, to judge me in that context. “

The judge did not appear moved, stating at one point that Menendez had become a “corrupt politician.”

The 71-year-old Menendez served 18 years in Senate, before that, 13 years in the House of Representatives-before his political career stopped abruptly in 2024.

In August, in the middle of the scandal of his corruption case, he resigned. The decision arrived one month after it was found guilty 16 charges of corruption.

“Menendez, who swore an oath that he would represent the United States and New Jersey State, instead put his high duty for sale in exchange for this myth pantry,” prosecutors wrote in the court of court 9. They asked for a 15-year prison sentence.

Earlier on Wednesday, Menendez’s two co -acclaimed, businessmen at New Jersey Fred Daibes and Wael Hana, were sentenced to seven or more than eight years in prison.

The trial of corruption for Menendez’s wife Nadine should start on March 18th.