Former FBI Chief James Comey Submits Innocent Plea to Charges of Misleading US Legislators
Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the ex-FBI chief has entered an innocent plea to providing misleading information to lawmakers and hindering a congressional proceeding.
Mr Comey's attorney entered the answer on his behalf in a federal court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.
Patrick Fitzgerald stated he would seek to have the proceedings dismissed for several factors including that his client, a critic of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.
James Comey was indicted just days after the former president urged his top legal official to take action against him.
Court Developments
During the hearing on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer the legal representative told the court they aimed to present multiple legal requests to dismiss the proceedings before a trial, arguing the government's case was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was wrongfully assigned to handle the legal matter.
The former director's proceedings was originally managed by the original attorney, who resigned under scrutiny from Donald Trump after his examination into an additional rival - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to bring criminal charges.
Judicial Environment
The former director came across in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the legal venue on Wednesday, speaking with his attorneys and making jokes. He was supported by his spouse, Mrs Failor and daughter Maureen, a US lawyer who the former government recently fired.
Upon hearing to the magistrate read his rights and the pair of allegations against him in court on Wednesday, the defendant was questioned if he grasped the charges.
"I do your honour. Thank you," he told the judge.
Previous Events
James Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was fired about a few months into Donald Trump's first term as commander-in-chief. At the time, Mr Comey was directing an investigation into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between the Russian government and the election effort.
During his tenure, the director triggered a backlash from liberal politicians when he declared just immediately preceding the national vote that he was examining Democratic candidate Clinton's use of a private email server. Legal actions against the candidate were not filed, causing criticism from conservative politicians as well.
Present Charges
The federal government assert the former director gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being questioned about both the previous examination as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he provided false information to the Senate by stating he had not approved someone at the FBI to release to media organizations data about the government examinations.
Legal representatives also accuse Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to sway, block and delay" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.
Individual Responses
In a video James Comey posted to his online platform after he was accused, he said he was not guilty and charged the former president of behaving like a "dictator".
"My family and I have known for considerable time that there are costs to opposing the former president," he stated. "We refuse to live on our kneeling."
"I'm innocent," he continued. "So let's have a trial."
The charges against James Comey came after the former president published on online platforms demanding his chief prosecutor, the attorney general, charge James Comey and other people.
Related Developments
- Previous FBI chief James Comey indicted on pair of allegations
- Which allegations does ex-FBI director James Comey face?