Former Federal Bureau of Investigation Chief James Comey Files Not Guilty Plea to Allegations of Lying US Legislators
Former FBI head James the former director has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and impeding a legislative process.
His attorney filed the plea on his behalf in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.
Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would try to have the proceedings thrown out for several reasons including that his defendant, a opponent of former President Trump, was being targeted.
The former director was formally accused shortly after Trump pushed his top legal official to proceed against him.
Judicial Process
During the hearing on mid-week, the defense counsel Mr Fitzgerald informed the judge they intended to file various petitions to terminate the legal matter before a legal hearing, claiming the government's case was spiteful and that a US attorney was wrongfully assigned to assume control of the legal matter.
James Comey's proceedings was first overseen by the original attorney, who left his position under influence from Trump after his investigation into an additional opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - did not succeed to file indictments.
Judicial Environment
The former director came across in positive mood as he came into the court on mid-week, speaking with his legal team and being lighthearted. He was accompanied by his partner, his wife and daughter Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the former government terminated.
Following the reading to the magistrate recite his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in court on mid-week, James Comey was questioned if he grasped the allegations.
"I do your honour. Appreciate it," he told the judge.
Historical Information
Mr Comey was the FBI Director from 2013 to 2017 and was fired about four months into Trump's initial presidency as president. At the time, the director was overseeing an probe into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between Russia and the presidential campaign.
During his tenure, the director caused a negative reaction from Democrats when he announced just days before the 2016 presidential election that he was probing presidential nominee Clinton's use of a private email server. Legal actions against the candidate were not filed, causing criticism from conservative politicians as well.
Current Allegations
Prosecutors claim James Comey gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in 2020 when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They allege he misled the Senate by stating he had not approved an individual at the FBI to leak to journalistic entities data about the agency probes.
Prosecutors also charge James Comey of "wrongfully trying to affect, obstruct and impede" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.
Personal Comments
Through a recording James Comey shared to his social media after he was accused, he stated he was not guilty and alleged Donald Trump of acting like a "dictator".
"Our household have been aware for years that there are consequences to standing up to Donald Trump," he stated. "We refuse to live on our knees."
"I'm innocent," he added. "Thus initiate a court case."
The accusations against James Comey emerged after the former president posted on digital channels insisting on his attorney general, Pam Bondi, take legal action against James Comey and additional individuals.
Related Developments
- Previous FBI head James Comey accused on dual counts
- Which accusations does ex-FBI director James Comey face?