Former FBI Head James Comey Enters Innocent Plea to Accusations of Lying Lawmakers
Ex- FBI chief James Comey has denied the charges to providing misleading information to congressional representatives and hindering a legislative process.
The former director's legal representative entered the answer on his behalf in a US district court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday morning.
The defense lawyer declared he would try to have the proceedings terminated for various causes including that his client, a critic of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.
Mr Comey was charged soon after the former president pushed his chief prosecutor to move forward against him.
Judicial Process
During the hearing on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald informed the judge they aimed to file multiple legal requests to throw out the case before a court case, stating the prosecution was spiteful and that a federal prosecutor was improperly appointed to handle the case.
Mr Comey's proceedings was initially managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under pressure from the former president after his investigation into an additional rival - NY AG Letitia James - failed to bring criminal charges.
Courtroom Atmosphere
James Comey seemed in optimistic frame of mind as he walked into the court on Wednesday, chatting with his lawyers and making jokes. He was accompanied by his partner, Patrice Failor and child his daughter, a government attorney who the Trump administration recently fired.
Following the reading to the court read his legal protections and the two counts against him in the courtroom on mid-week, Mr Comey was inquired if he understood the allegations.
"I do your honour. Thank you very much," he stated to the judge.
Historical Information
Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013-2017 and was fired about four months into Donald Trump's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the period, he was leading an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and the election effort.
While in office, Mr Comey triggered a negative reaction from Democrats when he announced just days before the national vote that he was investigating presidential nominee the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Charges against Hillary Clinton were never brought, causing criticism from the Republican party as well.
Present Charges
Government attorneys assert James Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in 2020 when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They say he deceived the Senate by claiming he had not authorized a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to leak to media organizations information about the government examinations.
Prosecutors also charge James Comey of "wrongfully trying to sway, obstruct and impede" the legislative group by providing untrue information to it.
Individual Responses
Via social media James Comey posted to his online platform after he was charged, he said he was innocent and accused the former president of acting like a "dictator".
"Our household have understood for considerable time that there are ramifications to challenging Mr Trump," he said. "We will not live on our kneeling."
"I have done nothing wrong," he continued. "So let's have a trial."
The accusations against Mr Comey emerged after the former president published on digital channels calling for his attorney general, the attorney general, take legal action against Mr Comey and others.
Related Developments
- Former Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey indicted on two charges
- The nature of allegations does previous chief James Comey face?