Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey Submits Innocent Plea to Charges of Falsehoods US Legislators
Former FBI chief James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to lawmakers and obstructing a legislative process.
The former director's attorney submitted the response representing him in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.
The defense lawyer announced he would seek to have the proceedings thrown out for multiple causes including that his defendant, a opponent of former President Trump, was being singled out.
Mr Comey was formally accused soon after Donald Trump urged his chief prosecutor to take action against him.
Legal Proceedings
In court on mid-week, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald advised the judge they intended to file various legal requests to dismiss the legal matter before a trial, claiming the government's case was retaliatory and that a federal prosecutor was improperly designated to handle the proceedings.
James Comey's case was originally managed by the original attorney, who stepped down under pressure from the former president after his probe into a different political adversary - New York Attorney General Letitia James - did not succeed to bring criminal charges.
Courtroom Atmosphere
The former director came across in good spirits as he walked into the court on Wednesday, chatting with his legal team and sharing humor. He was supported by his spouse, Patrice Failor and child his daughter, a US lawyer who the Trump administration terminated.
Upon hearing to the magistrate state his rights and the pair of allegations against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, the defendant was asked if he understood the charges.
"Absolutely your honour. Thank you," he stated to the proceedings.
Previous Events
Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was terminated about a few months into Donald Trump's initial presidency as commander-in-chief. At the time, he was directing an examination into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between Moscow and the presidential campaign.
While in office, James Comey triggered a counter-response from liberal politicians when he stated just immediately preceding the national vote that he was probing political contender Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Charges against Hillary Clinton were not filed, resulting in disapproval from the Republican party as well.
Ongoing Accusations
The federal government assert Mr Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being questioned about both the previous examination as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he provided false information to the legislative body by stating he had not permitted someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to release to journalistic entities information about the government examinations.
Prosecutors also accuse James Comey of "wrongfully trying to influence, obstruct and impede" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.
Public Statements
Via social media James Comey published to his social media after he was indicted, he said he was wrongly accused and charged the former president of conducting himself like a "tyrant".
"Our household have been aware for considerable time that there are consequences to opposing the former president," he commented. "We choose not to live on our kneeling."
"I have done nothing wrong," he added. "Thus initiate a trial."
The accusations against the former director came after the former president shared on digital channels calling for his chief prosecutor, Ms Bondi, take legal action against James Comey and other people.
Related Developments
- Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey charged on dual counts
- What accusations are ex-FBI director James Comey encounter?