Former U.S. President Trump surrenders to authorities in Georgia over 2020 election charges

Trump made the journey from his residence in Bedminster, New Jersey, and arrived at the Fulton County jail on Thursday afternoon, just before the stipulated surrender deadline.

Upon arrival, the former president underwent swift processing, including the uncommon step of having his mugshot taken. This event marked a historic moment, as Trump became the first US president to have his mugshot captured.

The entire procedure concluded within approximately 20 minutes. Subsequently, Trump left the jail premises expeditiously, departing in a waiting motorcade. Notably, he was released on a $200,000 bond, which stands as the highest bond amount among his co-defendants in this case.

As Trump departed from Atlanta's airport in Georgia, he engaged briefly with reporters present. Firmly rejecting any allegations of wrongdoing, he reiterated his longstanding stance on challenging the legitimacy of his defeat in the 2020 election. Trump underscored his right to contest an election that he deemed unjust, presenting it as a cornerstone of his defense strategy.

Strikingly, Trump reversed the narrative, accusing the prosecutors of meddling in elections by allegedly attempting to hinder his potential bid for the presidency in 2024. He asserted, "What they're involved in is election interference. They are making an effort to disrupt an election process."

Among the group of 19 individuals facing charges in the Georgia election case, Donald Trump is a notable defendant. The case centers on allegations of a coordinated enterprise aimed at undermining the outcome of the 2020 presidential race. Within this group, Trump is reportedly the 12th individual to surrender to authorities.

All 19 defendants were required to present themselves by noon local time on Friday (16:00 GMT). Throughout the week, several high-profile associates of Trump, including former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and attorney Sidney Powell, have progressively turned themselves in at the Fulton County jail.

The unfolding legal proceedings are being closely watched, with implications for both the legal landscape and the broader political scenario in the United States. This event marks another chapter in the ongoing discussion surrounding the integrity of the 2020 election and its aftermath. (ILKHA)