Previous FBI Chief James Comey Enters Innocent Plea to Charges of Falsehoods US Legislators
Former Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the former director has denied the charges to providing misleading information to US legislators and hindering a legislative process.
His legal representative submitted the plea on his behalf in a US district court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday morning.
Patrick Fitzgerald stated he would try to have the proceedings thrown out for multiple reasons including that his client, a opponent of Donald Trump, was being targeted.
James Comey was charged just days after the former president pushed his attorney general to proceed against him.
Legal Proceedings
During the hearing on mid-week, the defense counsel Mr Fitzgerald told the court they planned to present various legal requests to throw out the proceedings before a trial, stating the prosecution was vindictive and that a government lawyer was unlawfully assigned to handle the case.
James Comey's proceedings was first overseen by a Virginia prosecutor, who stepped down under scrutiny from the former president after his examination into an additional political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - failed to initiate prosecution.
Legal Setting
James Comey came across in positive mood as he came into the legal venue on Wednesday, conversing with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was accompanied by his spouse, Mrs Failor and offspring Maureen, a US lawyer who the Trump administration recently fired.
Following the reading to the magistrate read his legal protections and the pair of allegations against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, Mr Comey was inquired if he grasped the accusations.
"I do your honour. Thank you," he stated to the court.
Historical Information
The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013-2017 and was terminated about several months into Donald Trump's initial presidency as national leader. At the period, Mr Comey was leading an probe into international campaign influence and whether there were any links between Moscow and the election effort.
During his tenure, Mr Comey caused a counter-response from liberal politicians when he stated just days before the 2016 election that he was probing presidential nominee the candidate's use of a personal email system. Indictments against Hillary Clinton were never brought, causing criticism from conservative politicians as well.
Current Allegations
The federal government claim Mr Comey gave untrue statements to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the election interference investigation. They claim he provided false information to the upper house by saying he had not approved someone at the agency to disclose to media organizations data about the agency probes.
Prosecutors also allege the defendant of "improperly attempting to sway, block and impede" the legislative group by giving misleading testimony to it.
Personal Comments
Through a recording Mr Comey shared to his online platform after he was indicted, he declared he was innocent and charged Donald Trump of acting like a "dictator".
"My family and I have known for years that there are consequences to opposing Mr Trump," he commented. "We refuse to live on our knees."
"I am not guilty," he stated further. "Therefore proceed with a court case."
The accusations against the former director emerged after the former president published on online platforms calling for his chief prosecutor, Ms Bondi, charge the former director and others.
Related Developments
- Previous FBI chief James Comey charged on dual counts
- Which charges does former director James Comey encounter?