Former FBI Director James Comey Submits Not Guilty Plea to Accusations of Misleading US Legislators
Former FBI head James the ex-FBI chief has denied the charges to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and obstructing a lawmaking procedure.
The former director's legal representative filed the response representing him in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday morning.
Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would seek to have the proceedings thrown out for multiple causes including that his client, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being targeted.
Mr Comey was formally accused soon after Trump pushed his top legal official to move forward against him.
Court Developments
In court on Wednesday, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald told the judge they planned to submit multiple petitions to terminate the proceedings before a trial, arguing the legal action was retaliatory and that a federal prosecutor was unlawfully assigned to take over the proceedings.
Mr Comey's case was initially managed by Erik Siebert, who resigned under pressure from the former president after his investigation into another rival - the New York official - did not succeed to bring criminal charges.
Legal Setting
James Comey appeared in positive mood as he came into the courtroom on mid-week, speaking with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was supported by his spouse, Patrice Failor and child Maureen, a government attorney who the previous administration dismissed.
Following the reading to the court state his rights and the two counts against him in court on mid-week, the defendant was inquired if he comprehended the allegations.
"Yes your honour. Thank you," he stated to the judge.
Historical Information
The former director was the FBI Director from 2013 to 2017 and was fired about four months into Trump's first term as national leader. At the time, the director was leading an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between the Russian government and the presidential campaign.
During his tenure, James Comey caused a counter-response from Democrats when he stated just days before the 2016 presidential election that he was examining presidential nominee Clinton's use of a private email server. Indictments against Hillary Clinton were not filed, causing disapproval from the Republican party as well.
Ongoing Accusations
Prosecutors assert Mr Comey gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in 2020 when he was being questioned about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They say he provided false information to the legislative body by stating he had not permitted an individual at the FBI to leak to journalistic entities details about the FBI investigations.
Prosecutors also accuse James Comey of "wrongfully trying to influence, block and impede" the legislative group by making false statements to it.
Personal Comments
Via social media James Comey posted to his online platform after he was accused, he said he was innocent and charged Trump of behaving like a "dictator".
"We have understood for a long time that there are costs to challenging Donald Trump," he said. "We will not live on our bended knee."
"I'm innocent," he stated further. "So let's have a legal proceeding."
The charges against Mr Comey emerged after Donald Trump shared on online platforms insisting on his top legal official, the attorney general, take legal action against James Comey and others.
Connected Matters
- Ex- FBI chief James Comey accused on two charges
- What allegations does previous chief James Comey face?