Stuart Rhodes, one of the leaders of the American extreme right, was sentenced on Thursday to 18 years in prison for “sedition”, according to AFP.

The founder of the “Kliatnyki” militia took a defiant position until the end: “I am a political prisoner”, “my only crime is to oppose those who are destroying our country,” he declared before the sentencing.

Federal Judge Amit Mehta put it succinctly: “You are NOT a political prisoner, Mr. Rhodes,” he said. “You are here because twelve jurors (…) found you guilty of sedition,” “one of the worst crimes an American can commit.”

The charge, which involves planning to use force against the government, carries a 20-year prison sentence. But prosecutors sought a 25-year sentence against Stuart Rhodes, citing a system that provides for enhanced sentences for acts of a “terrorist” nature.

Although he did not entirely agree with them, Justice Mehta approved their analysis in this regard. “Acts of intimidation or coercion aimed at pressuring the government” fall under this category, he said.

He also justified the harshness of the sentence based on the leadership role of Stuart Rhodes, a 58-year-old ex-soldier, and his lack of remorse. “You represent a constant threat and danger to the country,” the judge said.

On January 6, 2021, thousands of supporters of Donald Trump sowed chaos and violence at the headquarters of Congress, just as the elected officials certified the victory of his rival Joe Biden in the presidential election.

More than 1,000 people were arrested during the investigation. About 300 received prison sentences, the longest of which so far was 14 years.

But only ten activists from far-right groups – six members of the Oath Keepers and four of the Proud Boys – were found guilty of “incitement” at the end of three separate trials in Washington.