Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey Files Not Guilty Plea to Accusations of Lying Lawmakers
Former FBI chief James Comey has denied the charges to providing misleading information to US legislators and impeding a congressional proceeding.
The former director's attorney submitted the response on his behalf in a federal court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.
Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would attempt to have the proceedings dismissed for several factors including that his defendant, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being singled out.
Mr Comey was charged shortly after Donald Trump pressured his top legal official to move forward against him.
Court Developments
During the hearing on Wednesday, the defense counsel the legal representative told the magistrate they intended to submit multiple motions to terminate the case before a trial, claiming the government's case was retaliatory and that a federal prosecutor was improperly designated to assume control of the proceedings.
The former director's legal matter was first overseen by a Virginia prosecutor, who resigned under influence from the former president after his examination into a different opponent - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to file indictments.
Courtroom Atmosphere
James Comey appeared in positive mood as he walked into the court on mid-week, chatting with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was joined by his spouse, Patrice Failor and offspring his daughter, a federal prosecutor who the Trump administration recently fired.
Upon hearing to the magistrate recite his rights and the two counts against him in court on Wednesday, James Comey was inquired if he comprehended the accusations.
"Absolutely your honour. Thank you very much," he informed the court.
Background Context
James Comey was the FBI Director from 2013 to 2017 and was fired about several months into Trump's first term as president. At the moment, the director was overseeing an investigation into international campaign influence and whether there were any links between Moscow and the presidential campaign.
Throughout his leadership, the director sparked a negative reaction from liberal politicians when he declared just days before the 2016 election that he was examining political contender the candidate's use of a private email server. Indictments against Clinton were not filed, leading to disapproval from the Republican party as well.
Present Charges
Government attorneys assert James Comey lied to the legislature during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in 2020 when he was being examined about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They allege he misled the upper house by stating he had not approved an individual at the FBI to leak to journalistic entities data about the government examinations.
Government lawyers also allege Mr Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, obstruct and impede" the legislative group by making false statements to it.
Public Statements
Via social media James Comey published to his Instagram after he was indicted, he said he was wrongly accused and alleged the former president of acting like a "dictator".
"My family and I have known for a long time that there are costs to opposing Donald Trump," he said. "We will not live on our bended knee."
"I'm innocent," he added. "Therefore proceed with a trial."
These allegations against the former director came after Donald Trump posted on online platforms calling for his attorney general, Ms Bondi, take legal action against Mr Comey and other people.
Associated Events
- Former FBI director James Comey accused on pair of allegations
- Which accusations does former director James Comey encounter?