Former FBI Director James Comey Files Innocent Plea to Charges of Lying Lawmakers
Previous FBI chief James the ex-FBI chief has denied the charges to giving untrue testimony to lawmakers and impeding a lawmaking procedure.
Mr Comey's legal representative submitted the plea on his behalf in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.
His attorney stated he would attempt to have the case thrown out for various causes including that his defendant, a critic of Donald Trump, was being singled out.
James Comey was formally accused shortly after Trump pressured his attorney general to proceed against him.
Legal Proceedings
In court on mid-week, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald informed the judge they intended to present various petitions to terminate the legal matter before a legal hearing, stating the prosecution was retaliatory and that a government lawyer was wrongfully designated to take over the proceedings.
The former director's legal matter was originally managed by Erik Siebert, who stepped down under scrutiny from Trump after his examination into a different political adversary - the New York official - was unable to file indictments.
Legal Setting
Mr Comey seemed in good spirits as he entered the court on mid-week, chatting with his legal team and making jokes. He was supported by his spouse, his wife and child Maureen Comey, a US lawyer who the previous administration terminated.
Following the reading to the court recite his rights and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, Mr Comey was questioned if he comprehended the allegations.
"Absolutely your honour. Thank you very much," he stated to the proceedings.
Background Context
Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was terminated about a few months into the former president's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the moment, he was directing an examination into international campaign influence and whether there were any relationships between the Russian government and Trump's campaign.
During his tenure, James Comey triggered a counter-response from liberal politicians when he stated just days before the national vote that he was probing political contender Clinton's use of a personal email system. Legal actions against the candidate were not pursued, causing criticism from conservative politicians as well.
Ongoing Accusations
The federal government claim James Comey gave untrue statements to Congress during a congressional hearing in September 2020 when he was being questioned about both the Clinton investigation as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he misled the legislative body by claiming he had not approved an individual at the FBI to release to media organizations details about the government examinations.
Government lawyers also allege the defendant of "corruptly endeavoring to sway, block and impede" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.
Individual Responses
Via social media James Comey posted to his social media after he was accused, he stated he was not guilty and alleged Donald Trump of behaving like a "dictator".
"Our household have understood for considerable time that there are consequences to opposing Donald Trump," he stated. "We choose not to live on our bended knee."
"I have done nothing wrong," he added. "Therefore proceed with a legal proceeding."
These allegations against the former director came after Donald Trump posted on digital channels insisting on his top legal official, the attorney general, prosecute the former director and additional individuals.
Connected Matters
- Former FBI head James Comey accused on two charges
- The nature of allegations are previous chief James Comey face?