Ex- FBI Director James Comey Enters Innocent Plea to Allegations of Falsehoods Lawmakers
Former FBI director James the ex-FBI chief has entered an innocent plea to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and obstructing a congressional proceeding.
Mr Comey's attorney filed the response representing him in a federal court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.
The defense lawyer announced he would attempt to have the case terminated for multiple causes including that his defendant, a opponent of Donald Trump, was being targeted.
The former director was charged just days after the former president urged his top legal official to take action against him.
Judicial Process
At the proceedings on mid-week, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald advised the court they planned to present various legal requests to dismiss the proceedings before a court case, claiming the legal action was vindictive and that a government lawyer was unlawfully appointed to assume control of the case.
The former director's legal matter was first managed by Erik Siebert, who resigned under pressure from Donald Trump after his examination into another opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - failed to initiate prosecution.
Judicial Environment
James Comey came across in positive mood as he walked into the courtroom on mid-week, chatting with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was supported by his partner, Mrs Failor and child his daughter, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration recently fired.
Upon hearing to the magistrate recite his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in court on Wednesday, the defendant was questioned if he understood the accusations.
"Yes your honour. Thank you," he told the court.
Historical Information
James Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about several months into Donald Trump's first term as commander-in-chief. At the period, Mr Comey was directing an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and the presidential campaign.
Throughout his leadership, the director caused a counter-response from Democrats when he stated just days before the 2016 election that he was examining Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Legal actions against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, leading to disapproval from Republicans as well.
Ongoing Accusations
The federal government claim Mr Comey provided false information to Congress during a legislative proceeding in 2020 when he was being questioned about both the Clinton investigation as well as the Russia election probe. They allege he misled the legislative body by claiming he had not approved someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to release to journalistic entities data about the government examinations.
Prosecutors also charge Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to affect, hinder and delay" the committee by making false statements to it.
Individual Responses
Through a recording the former director shared to his online platform after he was indicted, he stated he was not guilty and alleged the former president of acting like a "dictator".
"My family and I have understood for a long time that there are consequences to opposing Donald Trump," he commented. "We will not live on our bended knee."
"I'm innocent," he continued. "So let's have a legal proceeding."
The accusations against James Comey came after Donald Trump published on online platforms calling for his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, charge James Comey and other people.
Connected Matters
- Former Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey indicted on two charges
- What charges are previous chief James Comey face?