Ex- FBI Head James Comey Enters Innocent Plea to Charges of Falsehoods Lawmakers
Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to US legislators and hindering a legislative process.
Mr Comey's legal representative submitted the plea on his behalf in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.
His attorney declared he would attempt to have the case thrown out for several factors including that his defendant, a critic of former President Trump, was being targeted.
James Comey was charged soon after Trump pushed his top legal official to proceed against him.
Judicial Process
In court on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald informed the magistrate they aimed to file several legal requests to terminate the proceedings before a legal hearing, arguing the legal action was retaliatory and that a federal prosecutor was wrongfully designated to assume control of the proceedings.
The former director's legal matter was first managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who stepped down under scrutiny from Donald Trump after his examination into another opponent - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to file indictments.
Courtroom Atmosphere
Mr Comey appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the legal venue on mid-week, speaking with his lawyers and making jokes. He was supported by his wife, Mrs Failor and offspring his daughter, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration terminated.
After listening to the judge state his rights and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, Mr Comey was asked if he grasped the accusations.
"Absolutely your honour. Thank you," he stated to the judge.
Previous Events
The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013-2017 and was fired about a few months into Donald Trump's initial presidency as president. At the period, he was leading an investigation into Russian election interference and whether there were any connections between Moscow and Trump's campaign.
During his tenure, James Comey caused a counter-response from Democrats when he declared just shortly prior to the 2016 presidential election that he was examining presidential nominee Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against Hillary Clinton were not filed, causing disapproval from Republicans as well.
Current Allegations
Government attorneys assert Mr Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being questioned about both the previous examination as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he misled the upper house by claiming he had not permitted a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to release to media organizations details about the government examinations.
Government lawyers also accuse James Comey of "improperly attempting to influence, hinder and delay" the legislative group by providing untrue information to it.
Personal Comments
Through a recording James Comey shared to his online platform after he was accused, he declared he was innocent and alleged Trump of conducting himself like a "dictator".
"We have understood for considerable time that there are consequences to opposing the former president," he commented. "We refuse to live on our knees."
"I have done nothing wrong," he continued. "So let's have a legal proceeding."
The charges against Mr Comey emerged after Trump shared on social media calling for his chief prosecutor, the attorney general, prosecute James Comey and other people.
Connected Matters
- Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey accused on pair of allegations
- What charges are previous chief James Comey confront?