Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation Head James Comey Files Innocent Plea to Charges of Misleading US Legislators
Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James Comey has denied the charges to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and impeding a legislative process.
The former director's legal representative entered the answer representing him in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.
His attorney declared he would attempt to have the case thrown out for multiple factors including that his the accused, a opponent of Donald Trump, was being singled out.
James Comey was formally accused soon after Trump pushed his attorney general to take action against him.
Judicial Process
In court on mid-week, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald told the court they aimed to file multiple motions to dismiss the legal matter before a trial, claiming the prosecution was vindictive and that a US attorney was improperly assigned to take over the proceedings.
The former director's case was initially overseen by Erik Siebert, who resigned under influence from the former president after his investigation into an additional opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - failed to file indictments.
Judicial Environment
The former director came across in positive mood as he walked into the courtroom on mid-week, conversing with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was supported by his partner, Patrice Failor and offspring Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration terminated.
Following the reading to the court read his legal protections and the pair of allegations against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, James Comey was asked if he comprehended the charges.
"I do your honour. Thank you," he informed the judge.
Previous Events
Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was terminated about four months into Trump's first administration as president. At the period, the director was leading an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and the election effort.
While in office, the director caused a backlash from the Democratic party when he announced just immediately preceding the national vote that he was examining political contender the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against the candidate were not pursued, leading to disapproval from conservative politicians as well.
Ongoing Accusations
Government attorneys allege Mr Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being questioned about both the previous examination as well as the Russia election probe. They say he misled the Senate by stating he had not permitted an individual at the agency to disclose to news outlets information about the government examinations.
Legal representatives also allege the defendant of "wrongfully trying to affect, obstruct and delay" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.
Individual Responses
Via social media James Comey shared to his online platform after he was indicted, he said he was not guilty and accused the former president of acting like a "autocrat".
"My family and I have been aware for a long time that there are costs to opposing Mr Trump," he stated. "We choose not to live on our bended knee."
"I'm innocent," he added. "So let's have a legal proceeding."
These allegations against James Comey surfaced after Trump posted on digital channels demanding his attorney general, Ms Bondi, charge the former director and additional individuals.
Associated Events
- Previous FBI head James Comey charged on two charges
- What accusations is ex-FBI director James Comey face?