Former FBI Chief James Comey Enters Not Guilty Plea to Charges of Lying US Legislators
Previous FBI chief James the former director has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to lawmakers and obstructing a legislative process.
His legal representative filed the answer representing him in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.
Patrick Fitzgerald announced he would attempt to have the legal matter thrown out for various factors including that his client, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being singled out.
The former director was formally accused shortly after Trump pressured his top legal official to proceed against him.
Judicial Process
In court on mid-week, the defense counsel the legal representative informed the court they intended to present several legal requests to dismiss the legal matter before a trial, stating the prosecution was spiteful and that a government lawyer was improperly assigned to handle the legal matter.
James Comey's proceedings was initially managed by Erik Siebert, who stepped down under influence from the former president after his probe into a different political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - failed to bring criminal charges.
Courtroom Atmosphere
James Comey came across in positive mood as he walked into the courtroom on Wednesday, chatting with his legal team and being lighthearted. He was accompanied by his partner, his wife and offspring Maureen, a federal prosecutor who the former government dismissed.
Following the reading to the magistrate read his legal protections and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, the defendant was inquired if he comprehended the accusations.
"Yes your honour. Thank you," he told the judge.
Previous Events
Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from four years and was fired about several months into the former president's first administration as president. At the moment, he was overseeing an investigation into international campaign influence and whether there were any links between the Russian government and the election effort.
Throughout his leadership, Mr Comey triggered a backlash from the Democratic party when he stated just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was investigating Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Charges against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, resulting in criticism from Republicans as well.
Present Charges
The federal government assert the former director provided false information to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the Clinton investigation as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he provided false information to the legislative body by claiming he had not approved a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to news outlets data about the government examinations.
Prosecutors also charge James Comey of "wrongfully trying to influence, obstruct and delay" the committee by providing untrue information to it.
Public Statements
Through a recording James Comey published to his Instagram after he was charged, he stated he was wrongly accused and alleged Trump of acting like a "tyrant".
"We have known for considerable time that there are costs to standing up to Mr Trump," he commented. "We refuse to live on our knees."
"I'm innocent," he continued. "So let's have a court case."
These allegations against the former director surfaced after Donald Trump shared on social media demanding his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, charge Mr Comey and additional individuals.
Related Developments
- Former FBI head James Comey accused on two charges
- The nature of charges does former director James Comey face?