Longtime Donald Trump advisor Roger Stone pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to charges stemming from the ongoing investigation into whether the US president's campaign colluded with Russia in the 2016 election.
Stone, 66, is charged with lying to Congress, witness tampering and obstruction in relation to his contacts with WikiLeaks, whose publication of embarrassing Russian-hacked communications from Democrat Hillary Clinton's campaign gave a boost to Trump.
Stone, a veteran Republican consultant who prides himself on his reputation as a political dirty trickster, entered a not guilty plea to the seven charges during a brief appearance in federal court in Washington.
He did not speak to reporters following the arraignment and is to appear in court again on Friday.
Following his arrest last week, he said he was the victim of a "politically-motivated investigation" and said he would not testify against Trump because he "would have to bear false witness against him."
One waved a Russia flag and another held up a sign reading "Dirty Traitor." A pro-Stone demonstrator displayed a poster calling for contributions to a Stone Defense Fund while another held a sign reading "Free Stone, Fire Mueller."
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