Former FBI Chief James Comey Enters Not Guilty Plea to Allegations of Lying Congress
Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey has denied the charges to making false statements to lawmakers and impeding a congressional proceeding.
The former director's legal representative entered the plea acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.
His attorney declared he would try to have the case thrown out for several causes including that his client, a opponent of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.
The former director was indicted just days after Trump pressured his attorney general to proceed against him.
Judicial Process
At the proceedings on Wednesday, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald told the judge they aimed to file various motions to dismiss the case before a trial, claiming the prosecution was spiteful and that a federal prosecutor was unlawfully designated to assume control of the proceedings.
James Comey's case was originally managed by the original attorney, who left his position under influence from Trump after his probe into another political adversary - New York Attorney General Letitia James - was unable to bring criminal charges.
Judicial Environment
James Comey appeared in positive mood as he walked into the legal venue on mid-week, speaking with his attorneys and being lighthearted. He was supported by his spouse, his wife and child Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration terminated.
After listening to the judge state his legal protections and the two counts against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, James Comey was questioned if he comprehended the charges.
"Yes your honour. Thank you very much," he stated to the court.
Previous Events
James Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about a few months into the former president's initial presidency as president. At the moment, the director was overseeing an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between Russia and the election effort.
Throughout his leadership, James Comey caused a negative reaction from the Democratic party when he stated just shortly prior to the national vote that he was investigating political contender Clinton's use of a personal email system. Legal actions against Hillary Clinton were not filed, leading to disapproval from conservative politicians as well.
Present Charges
The federal government allege James Comey lied to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in 2020 when he was being questioned about both the Clinton investigation as well as the Russia election probe. They say he deceived the legislative body by claiming he had not authorized a person at the FBI to disclose to media organizations details about the government examinations.
Government lawyers also allege the defendant of "improperly attempting to affect, hinder and impede" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.
Personal Comments
Via social media the former director posted to his Instagram after he was indicted, he declared he was wrongly accused and alleged the former president of conducting himself like a "autocrat".
"Our household have known for years that there are ramifications to standing up to Mr Trump," he commented. "We refuse to live on our kneeling."
"I am not guilty," he stated further. "So let's have a court case."
These allegations against Mr Comey emerged after the former president shared on online platforms calling for his top legal official, Ms Bondi, charge James Comey and others.
Related Developments
- Former FBI head James Comey accused on dual counts
- What accusations are former director James Comey face?