Former Federal Bureau of Investigation Head James Comey Enters Denial Plea to Accusations of Falsehoods US Legislators
Former Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the ex-FBI chief has entered an innocent plea to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and hindering a lawmaking procedure.
Mr Comey's attorney entered the plea acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.
His attorney declared he would try to have the legal matter terminated for various reasons including that his the accused, a critic of President Donald Trump, was being singled out.
The former director was formally accused just days after Donald Trump pushed his top legal official to move forward against him.
Court Developments
At the proceedings on mid-week, Comey's lawyer Patrick Fitzgerald advised the magistrate they aimed to present several motions to terminate the legal matter before a court case, stating the prosecution was vindictive and that a government lawyer was improperly designated to handle the proceedings.
The former director's case was originally handled by Erik Siebert, who resigned under influence from the former president after his probe into another opponent - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to file indictments.
Courtroom Atmosphere
The former director came across in good spirits as he entered the legal venue on mid-week, chatting with his attorneys and being lighthearted. He was supported by his spouse, Patrice Failor and child Maureen, a federal prosecutor who the Trump administration terminated.
After listening to the magistrate read his rights and the two counts against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, the defendant was asked if he understood the accusations.
"Yes your honour. Thank you," he stated to the judge.
Previous Events
James Comey was the FBI Director from four years and was dismissed about a few months into the former president's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the period, Mr Comey was leading an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between Moscow and Trump's campaign.
During his tenure, the director sparked a counter-response from liberal politicians when he declared just shortly prior to the 2016 presidential election that he was probing Democratic candidate Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Charges against Clinton were not pursued, causing criticism from Republicans as well.
Current Allegations
Prosecutors allege the former director provided false information to the legislature during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being questioned about both the previous examination as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he misled the legislative body by stating he had not permitted someone at the FBI to leak to journalistic entities information about the government examinations.
Government lawyers also charge Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to sway, hinder and delay" the legislative group by making false statements to it.
Individual Responses
Through a recording the former director published to his Instagram after he was charged, he said he was not guilty and alleged Trump of conducting himself like a "tyrant".
"My family and I have understood for considerable time that there are ramifications to standing up to the former president," he said. "We will not live on our bended knee."
"I have done nothing wrong," he stated further. "Therefore proceed with a court case."
The charges against the former director surfaced after the former president published on online platforms calling for his chief prosecutor, Ms Bondi, charge James Comey and other people.
Associated Events
- Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James Comey accused on dual counts
- Which accusations are ex-FBI director James Comey encounter?