Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation Chief James Comey Submits Denial Plea to Allegations of Falsehoods Lawmakers
Former FBI director James the former director has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and obstructing a congressional proceeding.
His lawyer entered the plea acting as his counsel in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.
The defense lawyer declared he would seek to have the case thrown out for various factors including that his defendant, a opponent of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.
James Comey was indicted soon after Donald Trump pushed his attorney general to take action against him.
Judicial Process
During the hearing on mid-week, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald advised the judge they intended to submit various petitions to dismiss the case before a court case, claiming the legal action was vindictive and that a government lawyer was wrongfully appointed to take over the legal matter.
The former director's proceedings was first handled by a Virginia prosecutor, who stepped down under influence from Trump after his examination into an additional political adversary - New York Attorney General Letitia James - did not succeed to file indictments.
Courtroom Atmosphere
James Comey seemed in good spirits as he entered the court on Wednesday, conversing with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was supported by his spouse, his wife and offspring his daughter, a government attorney who the former government terminated.
Following the reading to the magistrate state his constitutional guarantees and the pair of allegations against him in the courtroom on mid-week, Mr Comey was inquired if he comprehended the charges.
"I do your honour. Thank you," he informed the judge.
Previous Events
James Comey was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was terminated about four months into Donald Trump's first term as national leader. At the moment, he was leading an probe into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between Moscow and the presidential campaign.
While in office, the director caused a negative reaction from liberal politicians when he declared just days before the 2016 presidential election that he was probing Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Legal actions against the candidate were not filed, resulting in disapproval from the Republican party as well.
Ongoing Accusations
Government attorneys allege the former director lied to the legislature during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They say he misled the Senate by stating he had not permitted a person at the agency to release to media organizations data about the government examinations.
Legal representatives also accuse Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to affect, block and impede" the panel by making false statements to it.
Personal Comments
In a video James Comey shared to his Instagram after he was accused, he said he was not guilty and alleged Trump of conducting himself like a "autocrat".
"We have understood for years that there are consequences to challenging Donald Trump," he stated. "We refuse to live on our bended knee."
"I'm innocent," he stated further. "Thus initiate a trial."
These allegations against the former director surfaced after Donald Trump shared on social media calling for his top legal official, Ms Bondi, take legal action against James Comey and other people.
Related Developments
- Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey indicted on dual counts
- The nature of allegations is former director James Comey confront?