Former FBI Chief James Comey Enters Innocent Plea to Charges of Misleading Lawmakers
Ex- FBI head James the former director has denied the charges to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and obstructing a congressional proceeding.
The former director's legal representative entered the plea representing him in a US district court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.
The defense lawyer stated he would attempt to have the case dismissed for multiple causes including that his client, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.
The former director was indicted shortly after Trump pushed his top legal official to proceed against him.
Legal Proceedings
At the proceedings on Wednesday, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald told the judge they planned to present various legal requests to throw out the case before a trial, claiming the legal action was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was wrongfully appointed to assume control of the legal matter.
James Comey's case was initially handled by the original attorney, who stepped down under influence from Trump after his investigation into a different political adversary - New York Attorney General Letitia James - did not succeed to file indictments.
Judicial Environment
James Comey came across in positive mood as he walked into the courtroom on Wednesday, speaking with his legal team and making jokes. He was joined by his partner, his wife and offspring his daughter, a US lawyer who the former government terminated.
After listening to the magistrate recite his constitutional guarantees and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on mid-week, James Comey was asked if he comprehended the allegations.
"Yes your honour. Appreciate it," he informed the proceedings.
Historical Information
The former director was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was terminated about several months into Donald Trump's first term as commander-in-chief. At the moment, the director was directing an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between Russia and the presidential campaign.
While in office, the director sparked a counter-response from the Democratic party when he declared just days before the 2016 presidential election that he was examining political contender the candidate's use of a private email server. Charges against Clinton were not filed, leading to criticism from Republicans as well.
Current Allegations
Prosecutors claim James Comey lied to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the Clinton investigation as well as the Russia election probe. They say he provided false information to the Senate by claiming he had not permitted an individual at the agency to disclose to news outlets details about the agency probes.
Government lawyers also charge the defendant of "improperly attempting to sway, obstruct and delay" the panel by making false statements to it.
Personal Comments
Through a recording James Comey shared to his Instagram after he was charged, he stated he was innocent and alleged Trump of behaving like a "dictator".
"Our household have known for a long time that there are consequences to challenging Donald Trump," he commented. "We refuse to live on our knees."
"I am not guilty," he stated further. "Thus initiate a court case."
The charges against the former director emerged after Trump shared on social media calling for his attorney general, Pam Bondi, charge James Comey and additional individuals.
Connected Matters
- Former FBI chief James Comey accused on two charges
- The nature of charges are previous chief James Comey face?