Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation Chief James Comey Submits Not Guilty Plea to Charges of Lying Lawmakers
Former Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey has entered an innocent plea to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and obstructing a lawmaking procedure.
Mr Comey's lawyer submitted the response acting as his counsel in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.
The defense lawyer stated he would seek to have the proceedings thrown out for several causes including that his client, a opponent of Donald Trump, was being targeted.
James Comey was formally accused shortly after Trump pushed his chief prosecutor to proceed against him.
Court Developments
During the hearing on Wednesday, the defense counsel the legal representative informed the judge they planned to present various petitions to throw out the proceedings before a court case, stating the prosecution was retaliatory and that a US attorney was unlawfully appointed to take over the legal matter.
The former director's legal matter was initially overseen by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under scrutiny from Donald Trump after his probe into a different political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to file indictments.
Legal Setting
Mr Comey came across in positive mood as he entered the court on mid-week, chatting with his attorneys and being lighthearted. He was supported by his wife, Patrice Failor and daughter Maureen Comey, a US lawyer who the Trump administration terminated.
After listening to the court read his constitutional guarantees and the dual charges against him in court on mid-week, Mr Comey was questioned if he grasped the allegations.
"Yes your honour. Appreciate it," he informed the court.
Historical Information
Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from four years and was dismissed about several months into Trump's first term as national leader. At the period, the director was overseeing an investigation into Russian election interference and whether there were any connections between Russia and the election effort.
Throughout his leadership, Mr Comey caused a negative reaction from the Democratic party when he stated just days before the national vote that he was examining Democratic candidate the candidate's use of a private email server. Legal actions against Clinton were never brought, leading to disapproval from the Republican party as well.
Present Charges
Government attorneys allege the former director provided false information to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in 2020 when he was being examined about both the previous examination as well as the election interference investigation. They say he misled the legislative body by stating he had not approved a person at the agency to disclose to news outlets data about the government examinations.
Prosecutors also charge James Comey of "improperly attempting to influence, obstruct and impede" the legislative group by giving misleading testimony to it.
Personal Comments
In a video James Comey published to his social media after he was charged, he stated he was not guilty and accused the former president of conducting himself like a "dictator".
"We have known for considerable time that there are consequences to opposing Donald Trump," he said. "We refuse to live on our bended knee."
"I'm innocent," he stated further. "Thus initiate a legal proceeding."
The charges against James Comey surfaced after Donald Trump posted on digital channels calling for his attorney general, the attorney general, take legal action against Mr Comey and others.
Connected Matters
- Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James Comey charged on two charges
- The nature of charges is ex-FBI director James Comey face?