Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey Submits Innocent Plea to Accusations of Falsehoods Lawmakers
Former FBI chief James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to lawmakers and hindering a lawmaking procedure.
His legal representative submitted the response acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday morning.
His attorney stated he would attempt to have the proceedings terminated for multiple reasons including that his defendant, a opponent of former President Trump, was being targeted.
James Comey was indicted shortly after Donald Trump pushed his chief prosecutor to take action against him.
Judicial Process
In court on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer the legal representative told the court they aimed to submit multiple petitions to dismiss the legal matter before a court case, claiming the government's case was spiteful and that a US attorney was wrongfully appointed to take over the case.
James Comey's legal matter was originally overseen by a Virginia prosecutor, who stepped down under pressure from Donald Trump after his probe into an additional political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to bring criminal charges.
Legal Setting
Mr Comey appeared in positive mood as he entered the court on mid-week, conversing with his legal team and being lighthearted. He was supported by his spouse, his wife and daughter his daughter, a federal prosecutor who the Trump administration terminated.
Following the reading to the magistrate state his rights and the pair of allegations against him in court on Wednesday, Mr Comey was asked if he comprehended the allegations.
"I do your honour. Thank you very much," he told the proceedings.
Background Context
The former director was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about four months into Trump's first term as commander-in-chief. At the time, he was overseeing an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between Russia and the presidential campaign.
While in office, Mr Comey caused a backlash from Democrats when he announced just immediately preceding the 2016 election that he was examining political contender the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against Clinton were not filed, causing criticism from conservative politicians as well.
Current Allegations
Prosecutors assert James Comey lied to US lawmakers during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They say he misled the upper house by claiming he had not permitted a person at the agency to leak to journalistic entities details about the agency probes.
Legal representatives also allege Mr Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to sway, block and slow" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.
Personal Comments
In a video James Comey posted to his Instagram after he was indicted, he declared he was not guilty and charged Donald Trump of conducting himself like a "autocrat".
"Our household have known for a long time that there are ramifications to challenging the former president," he stated. "We refuse to live on our bended knee."
"I have done nothing wrong," he continued. "So let's have a court case."
These allegations against Mr Comey surfaced after Donald Trump posted on digital channels calling for his attorney general, Pam Bondi, charge the former director and others.
Connected Matters
- Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James Comey indicted on two charges
- What accusations are former director James Comey encounter?