A federal appeals court panel has rejected Steve Bannon's request to remain out of prison while he appeals his conviction for defying a subpoena from the House committee ‘investigating’ January 6 2021.
Bannon, a longtime ally of President Trump, is scheduled to begin serving his four-month sentence for contempt of Congress by July 1. Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols granted prosecutors' request to incarcerate Bannon after a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit upheld his conviction.
Bannon’s legal team sought permission from the appeals court to keep him out of prison while they pursue further appeals, including up to the Supreme Court. However, in a 2-1 decision, the D.C. Circuit panel ruled that Bannon must begin serving his sentence, adhering to the general rule for defendants post-conviction.
Judges Cornelia Pillard, appointed by Obama, and Bradley Garcia, appointed by Biden, voted to enforce Bannon's imprisonment. Judge Justin Walker, appointed by Trump, dissented, arguing that Bannon should not serve time before the Supreme Court decides whether to hear his case.
Bannon's lawyers contend that the case involves significant legal issues that the Supreme Court will likely need to address. They have now filed an emergency stay application with the High Court. However, they argue that Bannon will have completed his prison sentence by the time the Supreme Court reaches a decision.
