Ex- FBI Head James Comey Files Innocent Plea to Allegations of Falsehoods US Legislators
Ex- FBI chief James Comey has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to congressional representatives and hindering a legislative process.
His attorney submitted the response acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday morning.
Patrick Fitzgerald stated he would attempt to have the case dismissed for several causes including that his defendant, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being singled out.
James Comey was formally accused soon after Trump pressured his top legal official to move forward against him.
Judicial Process
In court on mid-week, his attorney the legal representative told the court they aimed to present multiple legal requests to dismiss the case before a court case, stating the legal action was retaliatory and that a government lawyer was improperly assigned to take over the legal matter.
The former director's case was first handled by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under pressure from Trump after his investigation into an additional political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to file indictments.
Judicial Environment
James Comey came across in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the courtroom on mid-week, conversing with his legal team and making jokes. He was supported by his partner, Mrs Failor and offspring Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration terminated.
Following the reading to the magistrate state his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in the courtroom on mid-week, James Comey was questioned if he comprehended the accusations.
"Absolutely your honour. Appreciate it," he stated to the proceedings.
Previous Events
The former director was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was terminated about a few months into Donald Trump's first term as national leader. At the moment, the director was directing an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between Russia and the presidential campaign.
During his tenure, the director caused a counter-response from liberal politicians when he announced just days before the national vote that he was investigating Democratic candidate the candidate's use of a personal email system. Charges against the candidate were never brought, resulting in negative feedback from conservative politicians as well.
Ongoing Accusations
Government attorneys assert the former director provided false information to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he deceived the Senate by saying he had not approved someone at the agency to release to news outlets details about the agency probes.
Government lawyers also charge James Comey of "wrongfully trying to influence, obstruct and delay" the legislative group by giving misleading testimony to it.
Individual Responses
Via social media Mr Comey published to his online platform after he was accused, he said he was innocent and alleged Trump of behaving like a "dictator".
"Our household have been aware for a long time that there are costs to standing up to Mr Trump," he stated. "We refuse to live on our bended knee."
"I'm innocent," he added. "Thus initiate a legal proceeding."
These allegations against the former director surfaced after Donald Trump shared on social media demanding his top legal official, Pam Bondi, prosecute the former director and others.
Related Developments
- Previous FBI director James Comey accused on pair of allegations
- What allegations are former director James Comey face?