Previous FBI Head James Comey Files Denial Plea to Accusations of Lying US Legislators
Former Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to lawmakers and hindering a lawmaking procedure.
His attorney entered the plea acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday morning.
The defense lawyer announced he would seek to have the legal matter dismissed for several reasons including that his defendant, a opponent of former President Trump, was being targeted.
James Comey was charged just days after the former president urged his attorney general to take action against him.
Legal Proceedings
In court on mid-week, the defense counsel Mr Fitzgerald advised the court they planned to submit various motions to dismiss the legal matter before a legal hearing, claiming the prosecution was spiteful and that a government lawyer was wrongfully appointed to handle the case.
Mr Comey's legal matter was first handled by Erik Siebert, who resigned under influence from Trump after his investigation into another political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - failed to file indictments.
Courtroom Atmosphere
Mr Comey appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he walked into the courtroom on Wednesday, conversing with his attorneys and making jokes. He was joined by his spouse, Patrice Failor and child Maureen, a government attorney who the previous administration dismissed.
Upon hearing to the judge state his constitutional guarantees and the pair of allegations against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, the defendant was asked if he comprehended the accusations.
"Yes your honour. Appreciate it," he told the proceedings.
Previous Events
James Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was fired about a few months into Trump's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the period, he was directing an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between the Russian government and the presidential campaign.
During his tenure, the director caused a counter-response from the Democratic party when he announced just immediately preceding the national vote that he was probing Democratic candidate Clinton's use of a private email server. Legal actions against the candidate were never brought, causing disapproval from Republicans as well.
Ongoing Accusations
Prosecutors assert James Comey lied to Congress during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the previous examination as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he misled the legislative body by claiming he had not approved someone at the agency to disclose to media organizations information about the agency probes.
Prosecutors also accuse James Comey of "wrongfully trying to sway, block and delay" the committee by providing untrue information to it.
Public Statements
Via social media the former director shared to his social media after he was accused, he stated he was not guilty and alleged Trump of acting like a "autocrat".
"Our household have understood for considerable time that there are consequences to opposing Donald Trump," he said. "We choose not to live on our kneeling."
"I have done nothing wrong," he stated further. "So let's have a trial."
The charges against Mr Comey came after Donald Trump posted on social media insisting on his attorney general, Pam Bondi, charge the former director and others.
Associated Events
- Ex- FBI director James Comey charged on pair of allegations
- What allegations is previous chief James Comey confront?