Former FBI Director James Comey Submits Innocent Plea to Allegations of Misleading Congress
Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the ex-FBI chief has denied the charges to making false statements to congressional representatives and obstructing a congressional proceeding.
Mr Comey's legal representative submitted the response acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday morning.
Patrick Fitzgerald stated he would try to have the proceedings terminated for several factors including that his client, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being singled out.
Mr Comey was formally accused soon after Donald Trump pushed his attorney general to proceed against him.
Court Developments
During the hearing on Wednesday, the defense counsel the legal representative told the court they planned to submit various petitions to terminate the legal matter before a court case, arguing the legal action was vindictive and that a US attorney was unlawfully appointed to handle the legal matter.
Mr Comey's case was originally handled by Erik Siebert, who left his position under scrutiny from the former president after his investigation into an additional opponent - the New York official - was unable to file indictments.
Legal Setting
Mr Comey seemed in positive mood as he entered the court on Wednesday, conversing with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was joined by his wife, his wife and daughter his daughter, a federal prosecutor who the former government recently fired.
Following the reading to the magistrate state his legal protections and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, the defendant was inquired if he understood the charges.
"Yes your honour. Appreciate it," he informed the judge.
Background Context
James Comey was the FBI Director from four years and was dismissed about several months into the former president's first administration as president. At the period, the director was directing an probe into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between Moscow and Trump's campaign.
While in office, James Comey caused a negative reaction from the Democratic party when he declared just days before the 2016 presidential election that he was probing presidential nominee the candidate's use of a personal email system. Charges against Hillary Clinton were not filed, leading to criticism from the Republican party as well.
Current Allegations
Government attorneys claim the former director lied to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding 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 upper house by stating he had not authorized an individual at the FBI to disclose to news outlets information about the government examinations.
Prosecutors also charge the defendant of "wrongfully trying to affect, block and slow" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.
Personal Comments
In a video the former director published to his Instagram after he was charged, he stated he was not guilty and accused the former president of conducting himself like a "tyrant".
"We have been aware for years that there are costs to standing up to the former president," he said. "We will not live on our knees."
"I am not guilty," he continued. "Therefore proceed with a trial."
The accusations against James Comey surfaced after Trump published on social media insisting on his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, charge the former director and others.
Connected Matters
- Former Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey charged on two charges
- What accusations does ex-FBI director James Comey confront?