Washington: According to a court filing, Steve Bannon, a senior strategist to former US President Donald Trump, has entered a not guilty plea to his contempt of Congress charges. Bannon was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 12 for two counts of criminal contempt of Congress, one for failing to appear for a deposition before the House select committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riot and the other for refusing to provide documents before the October 7 deadline.

Each count of contempt of Congress carries a sentence of 30 days to one year in prison and a fine of USD 100 to USD 1,000. "I do hereby forego formal arraignment and enter my plea of not guilty to the charge," Bannon wrote at the bottom of the court file, which was published on Wednesday.

Bannon said he and his lawyers would attend a virtual conference scheduled by the court for Thursday, during which he would not have to have his accusations read by a judge. The judge must, however, authorise the absence of a formal arraignment. According to the Justice Department's statement of Bannon's indictment, if convicted, he faces up to two years in prison and a maximum fine of USD 200,000 if convicted.

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