Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey Submits Not Guilty Plea to Allegations of Misleading US Legislators
Former Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the ex-FBI chief has denied the charges to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and impeding a lawmaking procedure.
The former director's legal representative entered the answer on his behalf in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.
The defense lawyer announced he would seek to have the legal matter terminated for several reasons including that his client, a critic of Donald Trump, was being singled out.
Mr Comey was charged shortly after Trump urged his chief prosecutor to move forward against him.
Court Developments
In court on mid-week, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald told the judge they planned to file several motions to throw out the case before a trial, arguing the legal action was spiteful and that a government lawyer was unlawfully assigned to handle the legal matter.
James Comey's case was initially handled by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under pressure from Trump after his examination into another political adversary - the New York official - did not succeed to file indictments.
Courtroom Atmosphere
The former director came across in positive mood as he walked into the legal venue on Wednesday, chatting with his attorneys and being lighthearted. He was joined by his spouse, Mrs Failor and daughter Maureen, a government attorney who the Trump administration terminated.
Upon hearing to the magistrate recite his legal protections and the dual charges against him in court on mid-week, the defendant was questioned if he comprehended the allegations.
"I do your honour. Thank you very much," he stated to the judge.
Historical Information
Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about several months into Trump's first term as president. At the time, he was overseeing an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between the Russian government and Trump's campaign.
Throughout his leadership, the director sparked a counter-response from liberal politicians when he declared just days before the 2016 presidential election that he was investigating Democratic candidate Clinton's use of a private email server. Charges against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, resulting in negative feedback from Republicans as well.
Ongoing Accusations
The federal government assert Mr Comey lied to the legislature during a congressional 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 upper house by claiming he had not authorized a person at the FBI to release to news outlets data about the government examinations.
Legal representatives also accuse James Comey of "wrongfully trying to influence, block and impede" the panel by making false statements to it.
Personal Comments
Through a recording James Comey published to his social media after he was charged, he said he was not guilty and accused Trump of behaving like a "autocrat".
"Our household have known for considerable time that there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump," he stated. "We will not live on our kneeling."
"I am not guilty," he continued. "Therefore proceed with a court case."
These allegations against the former director came after Donald Trump shared on online platforms insisting on his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, prosecute Mr Comey and other people.
Related Developments
- Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey charged on dual counts
- What charges are ex-FBI director James Comey confront?