Ex- FBI Director James Comey Files Innocent Plea to Allegations of Lying Lawmakers
Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James Comey has denied the charges to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and obstructing a congressional proceeding.
His lawyer filed the response representing him in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.
The defense lawyer declared he would try to have the proceedings dismissed for several factors including that his client, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being singled out.
The former director was charged shortly after the former president pressured his attorney general to proceed against him.
Judicial Process
During the hearing on Wednesday, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald told the court they planned to file various petitions to throw out the case before a legal hearing, claiming the government's case was vindictive and that a government lawyer was improperly assigned to assume control of the case.
James Comey's proceedings was first handled by the original attorney, who resigned under influence from the former president after his probe into another rival - the New York official - was unable to file indictments.
Courtroom Atmosphere
The former director seemed in positive mood as he walked into the legal venue on Wednesday, chatting with his lawyers and making jokes. He was supported by his partner, Mrs Failor and daughter Maureen, a US lawyer who the former government recently fired.
Following the reading to the court recite his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in the courtroom on mid-week, James Comey was asked if he understood the allegations.
"Yes your honour. Thank you," he told the judge.
Previous Events
James Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about a few months into Trump's first administration as national leader. At the time, the director was overseeing an examination into international campaign influence and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and the presidential campaign.
During his tenure, the director caused a backlash from Democrats when he announced just days before the 2016 presidential election that he was investigating Democratic candidate the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against Clinton were not pursued, resulting in disapproval from Republicans as well.
Ongoing Accusations
Government attorneys assert the former director lied to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the Clinton investigation as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he provided false information to the legislative body by saying he had not approved a person at the FBI to disclose to journalistic entities data about the FBI investigations.
Legal representatives also accuse James Comey of "wrongfully trying to influence, block and impede" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.
Individual Responses
In a video the former director published to his social media after he was accused, he said he was not guilty and accused Trump of behaving like a "dictator".
"We have been aware for years that there are consequences to standing up to Mr Trump," he said. "We will not live on our kneeling."
"I'm innocent," he added. "Therefore proceed with a trial."
The accusations against James Comey surfaced after the former president posted on social media calling for his attorney general, Ms Bondi, charge the former director and other people.
Associated Events
- Former FBI director James Comey indicted on two charges
- What charges is previous chief James Comey confront?