Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation Chief James Comey Files Not Guilty Plea to Accusations of Falsehoods Congress
Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to US legislators and hindering a congressional proceeding.
His legal representative submitted the response acting as his counsel in a US district court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.
Patrick Fitzgerald announced he would try to have the case thrown out for several reasons including that his the accused, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being targeted.
Mr Comey was formally accused just days after Donald Trump urged his attorney general to take action against him.
Judicial Process
During the hearing on Wednesday, the defense counsel the legal representative told the judge they aimed to file several petitions to dismiss the proceedings before a court case, arguing the government's case was spiteful and that a government lawyer was unlawfully assigned to assume control of the case.
The former director's case was originally overseen by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under pressure from Donald Trump after his examination into another political adversary - the New York official - was unable to initiate prosecution.
Judicial Environment
James Comey seemed in positive mood as he came into the courtroom on Wednesday, conversing with his legal team and sharing humor. He was joined by his wife, Patrice Failor and daughter Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the Trump administration terminated.
Following the reading to the judge read his rights and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, Mr Comey was questioned if he grasped the allegations.
"Absolutely your honour. Thank you very much," he told the proceedings.
Historical Information
The former director was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was fired about several months into Donald Trump's initial presidency as national leader. At the moment, Mr Comey was directing an investigation into Russian election interference and whether there were any relationships between Russia and Trump's campaign.
During his tenure, the director caused a counter-response from the Democratic party when he announced just shortly prior to the national vote that he was examining political contender Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Legal actions against Hillary Clinton were never brought, causing negative feedback from conservative politicians as well.
Present Charges
Government attorneys allege James Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the Clinton investigation as well as the Russia election probe. They allege he deceived the legislative body by saying he had not approved a person at the FBI to disclose to journalistic entities data about the agency probes.
Government lawyers also accuse James Comey of "wrongfully trying to influence, hinder and delay" the panel by making false statements to it.
Public Statements
In a video James Comey shared to his online platform after he was accused, he stated he was not guilty and accused the former president of conducting himself like a "tyrant".
"My family and I have understood for years that there are costs to standing up to Mr Trump," he commented. "We choose not to live on our bended knee."
"I have done nothing wrong," he continued. "So let's have a trial."
These allegations against Mr Comey emerged after the former president published on online platforms insisting on his attorney general, the attorney general, charge Mr Comey and other people.
Connected Matters
- Former FBI head James Comey charged on two charges
- The nature of allegations does former director James Comey confront?