Bob Menendez: US Senator holds back tears and denies charges on Senate floor

US Senator Bob Menendez held back tears as he gave a fiery speech on the Senate floor about his bribery charges.

The New Jersey Democrat denied the charges and rejected calls to resign, saying it would deny him due process.

Three federal indictments, which also implicate Egypt and Qatar's governments, allege Mr Menendez used his political office to enrich himself.

He said he faced "persecution not prosecution" and refused to "step aside" by leaving his office.

Mr Menendez initially faced bribery charges in September, after he and his wife were accused of accepting gold bars, gifts, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash to aid three New Jersey businessmen.