Ex- FBI Head James Comey Enters Not Guilty Plea to Charges of Lying Lawmakers
Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the former director has denied the charges to providing misleading information to congressional representatives and impeding a lawmaking procedure.
The former director's lawyer entered the plea representing him in a federal court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.
Patrick Fitzgerald stated he would attempt to have the legal matter terminated for several factors including that his the accused, a detractor of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.
James Comey was formally accused shortly after Donald Trump pressured his top legal official to proceed against him.
Legal Proceedings
In court on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer the legal representative told the magistrate they planned to submit several legal requests to dismiss the case before a legal hearing, claiming the government's case was vindictive and that a government lawyer was improperly assigned to assume control of the proceedings.
Mr Comey's legal matter was first overseen by the original attorney, who resigned under influence from the former president after his examination into an additional political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to bring criminal charges.
Legal Setting
Mr Comey came across in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the courtroom on mid-week, conversing with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Failor and offspring Maureen, a US lawyer who the former government terminated.
Following the reading to the court recite his legal protections and the two counts against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, the defendant was asked if he understood the charges.
"Absolutely your honour. Thank you very much," he told the judge.
Previous Events
James Comey was the head of the FBI from four years and was dismissed about four months into the former president's initial presidency as national leader. At the time, the director was leading an investigation into international campaign influence and whether there were any links between Moscow and the presidential campaign.
During his tenure, Mr Comey caused a backlash from Democrats when he announced just days before the 2016 presidential election that he was examining presidential nominee Clinton's use of a private email server. Legal actions against the candidate were not pursued, leading to criticism from the Republican party as well.
Present Charges
Prosecutors claim James Comey provided false information to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he deceived the upper house by saying he had not authorized someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to journalistic entities data about the government examinations.
Legal representatives also allege Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to sway, hinder and impede" the legislative group by giving misleading testimony to it.
Personal Comments
In a video James Comey posted to his Instagram after he was charged, he said he was not guilty and accused the former president of acting like a "dictator".
"Our household have understood for years that there are consequences to challenging Mr Trump," he stated. "We will not live on our bended knee."
"I'm innocent," he continued. "Therefore proceed with a legal proceeding."
The accusations against the former director came after Trump posted on online platforms calling for his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, charge Mr Comey and others.
Associated Events
- Previous FBI chief James Comey accused on pair of allegations
- The nature of allegations are ex-FBI director James Comey confront?