Former US President Donald Trump entered a not-guilty plea to the charge of plotting to rig the 2020 presidential election in a court in Washington, DC.

Also read | Trump speaks to media after pleading not guilty, calls arraignment “persecution of a political opponent”

Donald Trump was indicted on Tuesday as part of the investigation by special counsel Jack Smith regarding his attempts to rig the election prior to the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. In addition to conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstruction of and attempt to hinder an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights, he is also accused of conspiring to obstruct an official proceeding.

Trump was questioned by Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya about his pleas to each of the four charges during his court appearance. As an answer, Trump said, “Not guilty.”

The arraignment took place in a Washington courthouse a half-mile from the U.S. Capitol and lasted around 30 minutes. On January 6, 2021, Trump’s followers invaded this same building in an effort to prevent Congress from declaring his loss in the 2020 presidential election.

Also read | From Rick Scott to Ted Cruz: What did GOP lawmakers say about Donald Trump’s historic court appearance

This is Trump’s third not-guilty plea since April. Pretrial legal fighting for months is anticipated during the legal proceedings, which will be taking place against the backdrop of the 2024 presidential election. In the forthcoming election, Trump is seen as the favorite to defeat Democratic President Joe Biden on the Republican side.

The office of special counsel Jack Smith did not ask for Donald Trump to be held in custody pending trial. The former president will instead receive the most minimal parole conditions, including one that forbids him from meeting with any known witnesses without first gaining approval from his attorney.

Also read | What happened at Donald Trump’s arraignment hearing? Everything you need to know

During the proceedings, Trump stood up and extended his right hand in an oath to uphold the conditions of his release. He also signed the necessary documentation, indicating his agreement to abide by the terms.

The next hearing in the case is set for August 28, just five days after the first Republican presidential primary debate.