Former FBI Chief James Comey Enters Innocent Plea to Accusations of Falsehoods Lawmakers
Ex- FBI director James Comey has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and impeding a lawmaking procedure.
Mr Comey's lawyer entered the plea representing him in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.
His attorney announced he would seek to have the case terminated for various factors including that his defendant, a detractor of former President Trump, was being singled out.
Mr Comey was formally accused just days after the former president pressured his top legal official to proceed against him.
Legal Proceedings
At the proceedings on mid-week, Comey's lawyer Patrick Fitzgerald advised the magistrate they planned to submit multiple legal requests to throw out the proceedings before a trial, claiming the legal action was spiteful and that a government lawyer was improperly assigned to handle the legal matter.
The former director's case was first managed by the original attorney, who resigned under scrutiny from the former president after his probe into a different rival - the New York official - did not succeed to bring criminal charges.
Judicial Environment
James Comey appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the courtroom on mid-week, conversing with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was joined by his partner, his wife and offspring Maureen, a government attorney who the Trump administration recently fired.
After listening to the magistrate state his legal protections and the pair of allegations against him in the courtroom on mid-week, James Comey was inquired if he understood the charges.
"Yes your honour. Thank you very much," he informed the judge.
Previous Events
The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was dismissed about four months into Trump's initial presidency as national leader. At the moment, Mr Comey was overseeing an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between Russia and the presidential campaign.
While in office, the director triggered a counter-response from Democrats when he stated just days before the national vote that he was probing presidential nominee Clinton's use of a private email server. Legal actions against the candidate were never brought, resulting in negative feedback from Republicans as well.
Ongoing Accusations
The federal government allege James Comey lied to the legislature during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he provided false information to the Senate by saying he had not authorized someone at the agency to leak to journalistic entities data about the FBI investigations.
Prosecutors also accuse Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to influence, hinder and delay" the legislative group by providing untrue information to it.
Individual Responses
Through a recording Mr Comey shared to his online platform after he was indicted, he said he was not guilty and charged Trump of behaving like a "tyrant".
"My family and I have understood for years that there are ramifications to standing up to Mr Trump," he said. "We will not live on our kneeling."
"I have done nothing wrong," he added. "Therefore proceed with a trial."
The charges against James Comey emerged after the former president published on online platforms calling for his chief prosecutor, Ms Bondi, take legal action against the former director and others.
Connected Matters
- Former FBI head James Comey charged on two charges
- What charges are ex-FBI director James Comey face?