Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation Head James Comey Submits Innocent Plea to Accusations of Lying Congress
Previous FBI head James the former director has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to US legislators and hindering a legislative process.
Mr Comey's attorney filed the response representing him in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.
Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would attempt to have the proceedings dismissed for various causes including that his defendant, a opponent of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.
Mr Comey was formally accused soon after the former president urged his chief prosecutor to take action against him.
Legal Proceedings
During the hearing on Wednesday, the defense counsel Mr Fitzgerald advised the judge they planned to submit multiple legal requests to dismiss the proceedings before a legal hearing, claiming the government's case was retaliatory and that a government lawyer was improperly appointed to assume control of the proceedings.
James Comey's legal matter was first overseen by the original attorney, who stepped down under pressure from Trump after his investigation into an additional rival - NY AG Letitia James - failed to bring criminal charges.
Courtroom Atmosphere
James Comey came across in optimistic frame of mind as he walked into the legal venue on mid-week, speaking with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was accompanied by his spouse, Mrs Failor and daughter Maureen, a federal prosecutor who the former government terminated.
After listening to the magistrate read his rights and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, the defendant was asked if he understood the accusations.
"Absolutely your honour. Appreciate it," he told the judge.
Historical Information
Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013-2017 and was fired about four months into the former president's first term as commander-in-chief. At the period, Mr Comey was directing an probe into Russian election interference and whether there were any connections between Moscow and Trump's campaign.
While in office, the director caused a negative reaction from the Democratic party when he stated just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was examining presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Charges against Clinton were never brought, causing disapproval from conservative politicians as well.
Current Allegations
The federal government claim James Comey provided false information to Congress during a legislative proceeding in September 2020 when he was being questioned about both the previous examination as well as the election interference investigation. They claim he misled the upper house by claiming he had not authorized an individual at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to media organizations information about the agency probes.
Government lawyers also allege the defendant of "wrongfully trying to influence, block and slow" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.
Personal Comments
Through a recording James Comey published to his Instagram after he was charged, he said he was innocent and accused Donald Trump of behaving like a "dictator".
"Our household have known for considerable time that there are costs to opposing Donald Trump," he said. "We will not live on our bended knee."
"I have done nothing wrong," he stated further. "Therefore proceed with a legal proceeding."
These allegations against Mr Comey emerged after Trump shared on social media insisting on his top legal official, Ms Bondi, charge James Comey and other people.
Associated Events
- Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey charged on two charges
- Which charges is previous chief James Comey encounter?