It was the persecution of a political opponent.
That from former U.S. President Donald Trump who pleaded not guilty to charges related to the 2020 presidential election in his third arraignment in four months.
As Trump flew to Washington on his private jet to face criminal charges he called the arraignment "a great honour" because he faced it for the people.
His motorcade wound through the streets of Washington D.C. before arriving at Wsahington's federal courthouse.
That's where the former president pleaded not guilty to four felony counts including conspiracy and subversion of voter rights which come from his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election outcome.
He was processed and fingerprinted but no mugshot was taken.
Inside the courtroom, a stone-faced Trump was seen speaking with his attorney at times before entering his "not guilty" plea and answering simple questions.
(Courtesy: Bill Hennessy)
The judge did not object to his release but listed a few conditions, including not talking to witnesses about the case.
The courthouse stands in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol where Trump's alleged conspiracy ended in the infamous January 6 insurrection.
Three police officers who were at the insurrection also showed up in today's arraignment.
As supporters and critics of Trump faced off outside, a defiant Trump barked right back at the charges.
"This is a very sad day for America. This is a persecution of a political opponent.
This was never supposed to happen in America. This is the persecution of the person that's leading by very, very substantial numbers in the Republican primary and leading Biden by a lot.
So if you can't beat 'em you persecute 'em or you prosecute 'em," Trump lamented.
Alina Habba, Trump's Legal Spokesperson, insisted,
"President Trump and his legal team and everyone on his team will continue to fight, not for him, but for the American people."
It was Trump's third arraignment in four months and involved the most serious charges.
Prosecutors alleged that Trump pressured election officials to manipulate election results and then-Vice President Mike Pence to obstruct the certification process.
But he's not accused of inciting the January 6 riot.
Trump insists the case is designed to distract him from his run for the presidency next year.
His lawyers are also expected to argue that Trump's false claims about a rigged election are constitutionally protected free speech.
The next hearing is set for August 28th.
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