Former Federal Bureau of Investigation Chief James Comey Submits Innocent Plea to Allegations of Misleading US Legislators
Previous FBI chief James Comey has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and obstructing a congressional proceeding.
The former director's lawyer filed the plea acting as his counsel in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.
The defense lawyer stated he would seek to have the legal matter terminated for several causes including that his the accused, a detractor of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.
Mr Comey was indicted soon after Trump pressured his attorney general to move forward against him.
Court Developments
During the hearing on mid-week, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald informed the court they aimed to present various motions to throw out the proceedings before a court case, stating the legal action was spiteful and that a US attorney was improperly designated to take over the proceedings.
Mr Comey's legal matter was initially managed by Erik Siebert, who resigned under scrutiny from Trump after his investigation into an additional opponent - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to initiate prosecution.
Courtroom Atmosphere
Mr Comey came across in positive mood as he walked into the court on mid-week, conversing with his legal team and sharing humor. He was accompanied by his wife, Patrice Failor and daughter Maureen, a federal prosecutor who the Trump administration recently fired.
After listening to the judge state his legal protections and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on mid-week, James Comey was asked if he understood the allegations.
"I do your honour. Appreciate it," he stated to the judge.
Previous Events
Mr Comey was the FBI Director from 2013 to 2017 and was fired about four months into the former president's initial presidency as president. At the moment, he was leading an examination into international campaign influence and whether there were any relationships between the Russian government and Trump's campaign.
While in office, the director triggered a negative reaction from the Democratic party when he declared just shortly prior to the national vote that he was probing political contender the candidate's use of a private email server. Indictments against Clinton were never brought, causing negative feedback from Republicans as well.
Present Charges
The federal government allege James Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They say he misled the Senate by claiming he had not authorized an individual at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to release to media organizations information about the agency probes.
Prosecutors also charge James Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to sway, hinder and slow" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.
Personal Comments
In a video Mr Comey published to his Instagram after he was indicted, he stated he was innocent and accused Trump of acting like a "autocrat".
"My family and I have been aware for a long time that there are consequences to challenging Donald Trump," he stated. "We will not live on our bended knee."
"I'm innocent," he added. "Thus initiate a court case."
The accusations against James Comey emerged after the former president shared on social media demanding his attorney general, Ms Bondi, charge James Comey and additional individuals.
Related Developments
- Former FBI director James Comey indicted on pair of allegations
- What accusations does ex-FBI director James Comey encounter?