Previous FBI Head James Comey Enters Innocent Plea to Accusations of Falsehoods US Legislators
Former Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the ex-FBI chief has denied the charges to providing misleading information to lawmakers and hindering a lawmaking procedure.
Mr Comey's legal representative submitted the plea acting as his counsel in a federal court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday morning.
The defense lawyer declared he would try to have the proceedings dismissed for several reasons including that his defendant, a opponent of Donald Trump, was being targeted.
The former director was indicted soon after Donald Trump pressured his attorney general to proceed against him.
Court Developments
At the proceedings on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Patrick Fitzgerald advised the judge they planned to present several legal requests to dismiss the case before a legal hearing, arguing the prosecution was retaliatory and that a US attorney was wrongfully appointed to take over the legal matter.
Mr Comey's proceedings was originally handled by the original attorney, who stepped down under scrutiny from Trump after his investigation into an additional opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - did not succeed to bring criminal charges.
Judicial Environment
The former director came across in positive mood as he entered the courtroom on Wednesday, speaking with his attorneys and making jokes. He was supported by his spouse, Patrice Failor and child Maureen, a US lawyer who the previous administration recently fired.
Upon hearing to the magistrate state his rights and the two counts against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, the defendant was asked if he understood the charges.
"Yes your honour. Thank you," he informed the court.
Background Context
Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was fired about a few months into the former president's first term as president. At the period, Mr Comey was leading an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and the election effort.
While in office, James Comey caused a negative reaction from liberal politicians when he stated just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was probing political contender the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against Hillary Clinton were never brought, resulting in disapproval from the Republican party as well.
Current Allegations
Government attorneys allege Mr Comey gave untrue statements to Congress during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being questioned about both the Clinton investigation as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he misled the Senate by stating he had not authorized a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to leak to journalistic entities data about the agency probes.
Government lawyers also allege Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to sway, obstruct and delay" the committee by making false statements to it.
Public Statements
Via social media James Comey posted to his online platform after he was accused, he declared he was innocent and charged the former president of conducting himself like a "dictator".
"My family and I have been aware for years that there are costs to challenging Donald Trump," he commented. "We will not live on our kneeling."
"I am not guilty," he continued. "So let's have a trial."
These allegations against James Comey emerged after Donald Trump posted on social media calling for his chief prosecutor, the attorney general, prosecute Mr Comey and additional individuals.
Related Developments
- Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James Comey charged on two charges
- What charges is previous chief James Comey confront?