Storming of the Capitol: Founder of US militia Oath Keepers charged with "seditious conspiracy".

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Stewart Rhodes speaks in Berkeley, California (stock image)

Photo: Jim Urquhart / REUTERS

Authorities arrested and charged the founder of the well-known far-right group Oath Keepers for the storming of the US Capitol a year ago.

The US Department of Justice announced on Thursday that 56-year-old Stewart Rhodes and ten other defendants were charged with "seditious conspiracy".

If convicted, the accused face up to 20 years in prison.

The legal term "seditious conspiracy" includes, among other things, an attempt to overthrow the US government by force. It is the first time such an indictment has been brought in the context of the storming of the Capitol.

Rhodes, the founder and leader of the Oath Keepers, was arrested Thursday in the state of Texas, the Justice Department said. Members of the militia participated in the January 6, 2021 storming of the Capitol.

Hundreds of suspected rioters have been charged so far

Hundreds of radical supporters of President Donald Trump, who was voted out, stormed the Capitol in Washington when the victory of US Democrat Joe Biden in the November 2020 presidential election was to be certified there.

Their goal was to prevent Congress from confirming the current President's election victory.

Four rioters died, as did a police officer a little later.

Around 140 police officers were injured, four have since taken their lives.

Hundreds of suspected rioters have been charged so far.

The storming of the seat of Congress with five dead caused horror worldwide and is considered a black day in the history of US democracy.

tfb/AFP/Reuters