Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation Head James Comey Files Not Guilty Plea to Charges of Misleading US Legislators
Previous FBI chief James Comey has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to lawmakers and hindering a congressional proceeding.
The former director's attorney submitted the response acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday morning.
His attorney announced he would attempt to have the legal matter terminated for various causes including that his defendant, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being singled out.
The former director was indicted just days after Donald Trump pressured his attorney general to proceed against him.
Court Developments
At the proceedings on Wednesday, the defense counsel the legal representative told the magistrate they intended to file several legal requests to throw out the proceedings before a trial, claiming the government's case was retaliatory and that a government lawyer was wrongfully assigned to take over the legal matter.
The former director's legal matter was initially overseen by a Virginia prosecutor, who stepped down under pressure from Trump after his examination into an additional political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to file indictments.
Legal Setting
James Comey seemed in positive mood as he entered the courtroom on mid-week, speaking with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was joined by his spouse, Patrice Failor and daughter Maureen, a government attorney who the Trump administration dismissed.
Upon hearing to the judge recite his legal protections and the two counts against him in the courtroom on mid-week, Mr Comey was inquired if he comprehended the charges.
"Yes your honour. Thank you very much," he stated to the judge.
Historical Information
The former director was the FBI Director from four years and was dismissed about a few months into Trump's first administration as president. At the period, the director was overseeing an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any connections between Russia and the election effort.
During his tenure, Mr Comey sparked a backlash from Democrats when he announced just days before the national vote that he was investigating Democratic candidate the candidate's use of a private email server. Legal actions against Clinton were never brought, causing negative feedback from conservative politicians as well.
Ongoing Accusations
Prosecutors assert Mr Comey lied to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being examined about both the Clinton investigation as well as the Russia election probe. They say he provided false information to the upper house by saying he had not permitted an individual at the FBI to release to journalistic entities details about the government examinations.
Government lawyers also accuse James Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to affect, block and slow" the legislative group by providing untrue information to it.
Personal Comments
Via social media Mr Comey posted to his social media after he was charged, he declared he was innocent and accused the former president of behaving like a "tyrant".
"My family and I have known for a long time that there are costs to standing up to the former president," he commented. "We choose not to live on our kneeling."
"I'm innocent," he added. "So let's have a court case."
The charges against Mr Comey surfaced after the former president shared on online platforms insisting on his top legal official, Pam Bondi, take legal action against the former director and other people.
Related Developments
- Previous FBI director James Comey charged on pair of allegations
- Which accusations are ex-FBI director James Comey face?