Two more members of the ultra-right organization Oath Keepers are due to be sentenced today for participating in the riot in the capitalJanuary 6, 2021 by his supporters Donald Trumpwho tried to undo his electoral defeat.

Jessica Watkins and Kenneth Harrelson were convicted in November by a Washington federal court jury of obstruction of justice for their role in the storming of the Capitol, in which protesters clashed with police, smashed windows and forced lawmakers to flee.

Federal prosecutors recommended that Judge Amit Mete in Washington sentence Watkins to 18 years in prison and Harrelson to 15 years.

They are due in court today, one day after the Meta ruled to sentence far-right militia founder Stuart Rhodes to 18 years in prison for crimes including sedition, conspiracy and use of violence to overthrow the federal government.

His prison term is the longest for any of the more than 1,000 people charged in connection with the Capitol attack.

Watkins was also convicted of conspiracy and obstruction of police work during the incidents.

Harrelson was found guilty of conspiring to prevent members of Congress from ratifying the election of President Joe Biden, as well as falsifying documents and procedures.

Watkins and Harrelson were acquitted of plotting to overthrow.

Watkins asked that her sentence not exceed the time required to comply with federal sentencing law.

For his part, Harrelson pleaded not guilty and continued to maintain his innocence.

Rhoads defiant in court yesterday, claiming he was a “political prisoner.” “For decades, Mr. Rhodes, it is clear that you wanted democracy to degenerate in this country. You are not a political prisoner,” Judge Meta replied.

Who are the keepers of the oath

The Oathkeepers are an American far-right anti-government militia whose leaders have been convicted of violent opposition to the United States government, including the transfer of presidential power under the US Constitution.

It was founded in 2009 by Rhodes, a man who was accused of mental and physical abuse by his ex-wife. A survey of their members showed that two-thirds of the oath-keepers are former military or police officers, and one-tenth are active-duty military or police officers. According to most studies, the membership of the Oath Keepers is around 5,000, while leaked data has shown that the Oath Keepers lists claim a membership of 38,000.

Some of the members of the group, including Watkins and Harrelson, stormed the Capitol in camouflage.

^{Source: APE-MEB, Reuters}