New York City Mayor Eric Adams is due in court this Friday to fight corruption charges that threaten both his political future and his administration.

The hearing, scheduled for 2 p.m. at the federal courthouse in Manhattan, will see Adams’ legal team argue for dismissal of corruption charges among the five counts against him, saying the allegations do not address not meet the federal standards necessary for a crime.

The indictment claims Adams accepted more than $100,000 in luxury travel perks and illegal election campaign contributions from a Turkish official and other foreign nationals seeking to influence him. .

In exchange, prosecutors allege, Adams granted political favors, including expediting the opening of a consular building that had been flagged as unsafe by fire inspectors.

Adams has pleaded not guilty and insists he will remain in office while preparing his defense.

Did Adams receive a bribe or gratuity?

U.S. District Judge Dale E. Ho allotted each side 20 minutes to present their arguments regarding the bribery charge.

In a ruling issued Thursday evening, Judge Ho denied Adams’ request for a hearing regarding his allegations that the government leaked information about the investigation to the press, saying that Adams and his lawyers had not provided sufficient evidence to support these claims.

Adams’ legal team called the bribery charge “extraordinarily vague,” arguing that the benefits he received were simply “classic gratuities” and should not fall under the bribery law. corruption, especially recently Supreme Court the rulings suggest that such gifts are permitted if given for past actions.

In contrast, federal prosecutors say Adams’ acceptance of benefits from a foreign diplomat clearly constituted criminal behavior.

False documentation

“It is clear from the indictment that there is nothing routine about a public official accepting more than $100,000 in benefits,” they said, accusing Adams of trying to conceal his actions by creating false documents.

Although Judge Ho is expected to consider arguments related to the motion to dismiss the bribery charge, it remains unclear when he will issue his ruling.

At a previous hearing, prosecutors hinted that they might bring additional charges against Adams and indict Adams. associates linked to him.

Will his political career survive?

Several of Adams’ top aides, including key figures like the police commissioner and schools chancellor, resigned following coordinated searches by federal investigators in early September.

Despite the legal troubles, Adams claimed he could effectively govern the city while responding to the accusations.

Still, his political position is precarious, with several challengers already announcing their intention to run in next year’s mayoral primary.

This article contains additional reporting from the Associated Press.