Unusual details emerge in pro-Armenian US senator's bribery trial "Weird" planning for Egypt, Qatar trip

On June 24, Sarah Arkin, a senior Senate Foreign Relations Committee staffer, testified at pro-Armenian Senator Bob Menendez's bribery trial, revealing unusual details about planning a 2021 trip to Egypt and Qatar.

Arkin, a government witness, detailed how Menendez directed that Egypt be included in the trip's planning process, diverging from standard State Department protocol, Caliber.Az writes, citing US media.

Prosecutors allege Menendez received hundreds of thousands of dollars and gold in bribes from New Jersey businessmen between 2018 and 2022, purportedly in exchange for political favours. These favours include aiding Egyptian officials to benefit a businessman's monopoly on meat certification for Islamic dietary requirements and assisting a New Jersey developer in securing a lucrative deal with a Qatari investment fund.

In addition to bribery charges, Menendez faces accusations of fraud, extortion, obstruction of justice, and acting as a foreign agent of Egypt. The 70-year-old senator, alongside two businessmen, has pleaded not guilty.

Arkin's testimony highlighted Menendez's involvement in trip planning, noting his directive to engage with the Egyptian embassy directly, bypassing customary State Department channels. She described Menendez's alleged displeasure upon learning Egyptian officials were informed he would not meet their president during the trip. Despite allegations of interference, Menendez insisted Arkin could have joined the trip if she chose.

Menendez's wife, Nadine Menendez, also faces charges related to the case but her trial has been postponed due to health reasons following breast cancer surgery.