Previous FBI Director James Comey Files Not Guilty Plea to Accusations of Falsehoods US Legislators
Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the ex-FBI chief has entered an innocent plea to making false statements to lawmakers and obstructing a congressional proceeding.
His lawyer filed the answer on his behalf in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.
Patrick Fitzgerald announced he would attempt to have the case terminated for several causes including that his client, a detractor of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.
The former director was formally accused soon after the former president pushed his chief prosecutor to take action against him.
Judicial Process
In court on mid-week, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald informed the judge they planned to submit multiple motions to dismiss the proceedings before a legal hearing, stating the government's case was vindictive and that a government lawyer was unlawfully assigned to handle the legal matter.
The former director's case was initially managed by Erik Siebert, who resigned under influence from Trump after his examination into another opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - failed to initiate prosecution.
Courtroom Atmosphere
James Comey came across in positive mood as he walked into the court on Wednesday, chatting with his legal team and making jokes. He was joined by his partner, Mrs Failor and offspring Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration terminated.
After listening to the court read his constitutional guarantees and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, the defendant was asked if he understood the accusations.
"Yes your honour. Appreciate it," he stated to the court.
Previous Events
Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was fired about several months into the former president's initial presidency as commander-in-chief. At the period, Mr Comey was leading an investigation into international campaign influence and whether there were any relationships between Russia and Trump's campaign.
During his tenure, Mr Comey triggered a counter-response from the Democratic party when he declared just days before the 2016 presidential election that he was investigating Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Charges against Clinton were never brought, causing negative feedback from the Republican party as well.
Ongoing Accusations
The federal government allege James Comey lied to the legislature during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They allege he provided false information to the upper house by stating he had not permitted someone at the FBI to release to news outlets details about the government examinations.
Legal representatives also allege the defendant of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, block and slow" the legislative group by giving misleading testimony to it.
Public Statements
Via social media the former director shared to his Instagram after he was charged, he said he was innocent and charged the former president of acting like a "autocrat".
"Our household have known for a long time that there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump," he said. "We choose not to live on our knees."
"I have done nothing wrong," he continued. "Thus initiate a court case."
These allegations against James Comey surfaced after Donald Trump published on online platforms calling for his chief prosecutor, the attorney general, charge Mr Comey and other people.
Associated Events
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- What charges does previous chief James Comey face?