One of the leaders of the far-right American group Proud Boys was sentenced on Thursday to 17 years in prison for the attack on the Capitol, the shrine of American democracy, on January 6, 2021 in Washington, according to AFP.

Prosecutors had sought 33 years in prison for Joseph Biggs, a former soldier who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, for leading about 200 members of the “Proud Boys” to the Capitol, the seat of the United States Congress, in an attempt to prevent a Democratic victory. from Joe Biden’s certification against Republican incumbent Donald Trump.

This is the second largest sentence handed down by the American judiciary in this case.

Judge Timothy Kelly took into account the aggravating circumstances of terrorism requested by the prosecution, but indicated that he imposed a sentence of 16 years less than requested, on the basis that the accused “did not intend to kill people”.

The accused had earlier apologized, saying that he now distanced himself from politics and any group affiliation.

In May, he was found guilty of six counts, including sedition, along with other leaders of the Proud Boys.

Although the storming of the Capitol did not result in many deaths, prosecutor Jason McCullough stressed during the hearing the seriousness of the event and the need for show sentences.

“There is a reason why we will have to hold our breath in the next election,” he said, claiming the attackers “wanted to intimidate and terrorize” anyone who opposed them.

That day, Jan. 6, 2021, “destroyed our tradition of the peaceful transfer of power, one of the most precious things we have as Americans,” the judge added, insisting that those days are over.

Joseph Biggs spent more than two years in pretrial detention, sometimes spending up to 22 hours in solitary confinement. “I think he got the message,” said his attorney, Norman Pattis.

“I know I did wrong that day, but I’m not a terrorist,” the gray-haired and bearded Joseph Biggs, wearing an orange prison uniform that showed tattoos on his forearms, told the court as he broke down in tears. times at the mention of his daughter and mother.

Since the attack on January 6, 2021, more than 1,100 people have been arrested and charged. More than half were convicted, the majority – to imprisonment.

The harshest sentence was given to the founder of Oath Keepers, Stuart Rhodes, who was also found guilty of sedition and sentenced to 18 years in prison.

During the storming of the Capitol, five people were killed and 140 police officers were injured.