USA: NRA suffers setback in dispute with New York justice system

Annual meeting of the NRA (archive picture): In August, charges were brought against the gun lobby in New York

Photo: ADREES LATIF / REUTERS

The National Rifle Association (NRA) is the most powerful voice in the US gun lobby.

In the dispute with the judiciary in the US state of New York, the organization has now suffered a serious setback.

A judge in New York City ruled Thursday that the National Rifle Association could continue to be prosecuted in the state despite its recent bankruptcy, said Attorney General Letitia James.

Last week, the NRA and one of its subsidiaries filed for bankruptcy and filed for bankruptcy protection in a bankruptcy court in Dallas, Texas.

With the maneuver, the organization wanted to escape further legal prosecution in New York.

The NRA wanted to "remain free from the politically toxic environment in New York," said its chairman Wayne LaPierre.

In contrast to New York, the conservative state of Texas is generally gun-friendly.

The New York State Justice opened a case against the NRA, LaPierre and three other senior officials in August.

They allegedly embezzled membership fees and donations for personal expenses.

James, a member of the Democratic Party, had denied political motives for her investigation, but at the same time admitted that these could lead to the dissolution of the NRA.

The NRA therefore wants to move from its founding place New York to Texas.

The lobby organization has been rigorously opposed to restrictions on the sale and private possession of weapons for decades.

The organization also gains its great influence from the fact that it supports politicians materially.

LaPierre has headed the organization for around 30 years.

According to internal documents circulating on the Internet, he is said to be living a luxury life with travel to the Bahamas and Italy and other amenities at NRA expense.

The New York prosecutor accuses LaPierre and his companions of causing losses of $ 64 million within three years.

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