Former Federal Bureau of Investigation Head James Comey Enters Not Guilty Plea to Accusations of Misleading US Legislators
Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the former director has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and hindering a congressional proceeding.
His legal representative entered the plea on his behalf in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.
The defense lawyer stated he would try to have the case terminated for multiple reasons including that his the accused, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.
The former director was indicted shortly after the former president pressured his top legal official to proceed against him.
Judicial Process
In court on mid-week, Comey's lawyer Patrick Fitzgerald told the magistrate they aimed to file multiple legal requests to throw out the proceedings before a court case, arguing the legal action was vindictive and that a government lawyer was improperly designated to take over the case.
James Comey's proceedings was initially managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under scrutiny from the former president after his examination into another political adversary - the New York official - did not succeed to file indictments.
Courtroom Atmosphere
The former director seemed in positive mood as he walked into the court on Wednesday, conversing with his attorneys and being lighthearted. He was joined by his partner, his wife and daughter Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the former government dismissed.
Upon hearing to the magistrate state his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, James Comey was asked if he understood the allegations.
"I do your honour. Thank you very much," he informed the court.
Historical Information
James Comey was the FBI Director from four years and was dismissed about four months into the former president's first term as commander-in-chief. At the period, he was directing an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between Russia and the election effort.
While in office, the director caused a backlash from the Democratic party when he declared just immediately preceding the national vote that he was investigating presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Indictments against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, resulting in negative feedback from Republicans as well.
Present Charges
Prosecutors allege Mr Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the election interference investigation. They allege he deceived the upper house by saying he had not permitted an individual at the agency to release to news outlets data about the agency probes.
Legal representatives also allege James Comey of "wrongfully trying to influence, block and impede" the panel by providing untrue information to it.
Individual Responses
Via social media the former director shared to his online platform after he was charged, he declared he was innocent and alleged Trump of behaving like a "dictator".
"We have been aware for a long time that there are costs to opposing Mr Trump," he stated. "We refuse to live on our bended knee."
"I'm innocent," he stated further. "So let's have a court case."
The accusations against Mr Comey came after Trump posted on online platforms calling for his chief prosecutor, the attorney general, prosecute Mr Comey and others.
Connected Matters
- Previous FBI head James Comey charged on two charges
- The nature of charges does ex-FBI director James Comey face?