'Refusal to Concede Presidential Election' Giuliani Disbarred as New York Attorney

Court: "Spreading Conspiracy Theories with False Claims"

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is leaving his residence in Manhattan, New York by car on the 24th (local time). [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Rudy Giuliani, former New York City mayor who led Donald Trump's post-election lawsuits last year, has been disbarred.

On the 24th (local time), the New York State Appellate Division suspended Giuliani's law license for making false claims to overturn Trump's election loss in court, according to Bloomberg and CNBC.

The court accepted the request from the New York Attorney Grievance Committee, stating that "Giuliani violated the rules of professional conduct by spreading false conspiracy theories."

In the ruling, the court noted, "The United States was deeply divided by relentless attacks on the 2020 election and President Joe Biden's legitimacy," and added, "Giuliani's misconduct is extremely serious."

According to the ruling, Giuliani argued that the investigation into his law license was "an attack on freedom of the press" and denied knowingly lying. However, the court rejected this, stating Giuliani provided little evidence regarding the Pennsylvania election fraud conspiracy theories.

Giuliani raised his voice, saying, "The court's decision was based on rumors," and "The suspension is to silence me." He added, "The Bar Association should give me an award," explaining, "I defended unpopular clients and faced death threats. I lost a significant portion of my income and even friends."

Having dominated Manhattan's legal scene, including serving as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, this decision is expected to be a major blow to Giuliani. The Associated Press predicted, "Not only in New York but also in other states, this suspension will likely be referenced to deny Giuliani permission to practice law."