NYC mayor pleads not guilty to bribery allegations [Video]

New York City Mayor Eric Adams pleaded not guilty Friday to federal bribery charges and other counts that have roiled the nation’s biggest city after months of investigations, searches and subpoenas.

Adams, a Democrat, entered the plea before a packed courtroom gallery in Manhattan a day after prosecutors revealed charges alleging that he accepted overseas travel and illegal campaign donations from people looking to buy his influence in city government.

The mayor is accused of exploiting a years-long relationship with people tied to Turkey, who funded his travel and fuelled his run for mayor with donations that helped him qualify for more than US$10 million in public campaign funds. People who aren’t U.S. citizens are banned by law from donating to U.S. political candidates.