Trial of incumbent US President Joe Biden's son begins

On June 3, in Wilmington, Delaware (USA), the trial of Hunter Biden - son of President Joe Biden - began with jury selection.

Hunter Biden is facing three criminal charges related to his purchase and possession of guns.

This is the first prosecution of the son of a sitting US President. Last September, a federal grand jury handed down three charges against Mr. Hunter Biden related to his purchase of a revolver in October 2018 while he was in a drug-using phase.

These charges include making a false statement to purchase a firearm, making a false statement regarding information required to be maintained by a federally licensed firearms dealer, and possession of a firearm by a person who is not licensed or is under the influence of a controlled substance.

If convicted, Hunter Biden could face up to 25 years in prison. Hunter Biden has denied the charges.

Hunter Biden is also facing a separate criminal trial in Los Angeles, California, on tax fraud charges. However, last month, a federal judge postponed the trial until September.

The judge presided over the election of the 12-member jury, from a total of 250 Delaware citizens summoned to participate in the selection process.

Hunter Biden's trial comes days after the May 30 trial of former US President Donald Trump.

A 12-member jury in Manhattan Supreme Court found Mr. Trump guilty on all 34 counts in a case accusing the billionaire of falsifying business records to pay hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election.

Former President Trump announced on May 31 that he would appeal the verdict, saying the trial was aimed at hindering his bid to return to the White House in the November election.