Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation Head James Comey Files Innocent Plea to Charges of Misleading Lawmakers
Former Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and hindering a legislative process.
Mr Comey's attorney filed the response acting as his counsel in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.
His attorney declared he would try to have the legal matter terminated for multiple factors including that his defendant, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.
James Comey was formally accused just days after Trump urged his top legal official to proceed against him.
Court Developments
In court on Wednesday, the defense counsel Mr Fitzgerald informed the magistrate they planned to present multiple legal requests to terminate the legal matter before a trial, arguing the legal action was retaliatory and that a federal prosecutor was wrongfully assigned to handle the case.
Mr Comey's case was first handled by a Virginia prosecutor, who resigned under scrutiny from the former president after his examination into an additional opponent - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to initiate prosecution.
Judicial Environment
The former director appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the courtroom on Wednesday, conversing with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was supported by his partner, Mrs Failor and daughter Maureen, a US lawyer who the previous administration dismissed.
Following the reading to the court read his rights and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, Mr Comey was asked if he understood the charges.
"Absolutely your honour. Thank you very much," he informed the judge.
Previous Events
Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was fired about a few months into Trump's first administration as president. At the time, Mr Comey was directing an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between Moscow and the election effort.
While in office, Mr Comey triggered a backlash from liberal politicians when he announced just days before the national vote that he was examining presidential nominee Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, leading to disapproval from Republicans as well.
Ongoing Accusations
The federal government claim James Comey lied to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the previous examination as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They allege he deceived the legislative body by claiming he had not permitted a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to release to journalistic entities details about the agency probes.
Legal representatives also charge Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to sway, hinder and impede" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.
Individual Responses
In a video Mr Comey posted to his Instagram after he was charged, he said he was not guilty and alleged Donald Trump of acting like a "dictator".
"Our household have been aware for years that there are costs to standing up to Mr Trump," he stated. "We will not live on our bended knee."
"I'm innocent," he continued. "Thus initiate a court case."
The accusations against James Comey came after the former president shared on social media demanding his attorney general, the attorney general, prosecute Mr Comey and additional individuals.
Related Developments
- Former Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey accused on two charges
- Which allegations is former director James Comey face?