Former FBI Head James Comey Enters Denial Plea to Charges of Lying Lawmakers
Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey has entered an innocent plea to providing misleading information to lawmakers and impeding a congressional proceeding.
The former director's legal representative filed the response on his behalf in a US district court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.
His attorney declared he would try to have the case terminated for several reasons including that his the accused, a critic of Donald Trump, was being targeted.
Mr Comey was charged just days after Donald Trump urged his top legal official to move forward against him.
Court Developments
During the hearing on mid-week, the defense counsel Mr Fitzgerald informed the judge they intended to submit multiple petitions to terminate the proceedings before a trial, stating the legal action was spiteful and that a US attorney was wrongfully assigned to take over the legal matter.
James Comey's case was originally overseen by Erik Siebert, who left his position under pressure from Donald Trump after his probe into an additional opponent - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to file indictments.
Courtroom Atmosphere
The former director came across in positive mood as he came into the courtroom on Wednesday, conversing with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was joined by his partner, Mrs Failor and offspring Maureen, a federal prosecutor who the former government recently fired.
Upon hearing to the court recite his constitutional guarantees and the pair of allegations against him in court on Wednesday, the defendant was inquired if he comprehended the charges.
"I do your honour. Thank you," he told the court.
Historical Information
The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was dismissed about four months into the former president's first administration as president. At the period, the director was leading an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between the Russian government and Trump's campaign.
While in office, James Comey caused a negative reaction from Democrats when he announced just immediately preceding the 2016 election that he was investigating political contender Hillary Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Charges against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, leading to disapproval from Republicans as well.
Current Allegations
Government attorneys claim Mr Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being questioned about both the previous examination as well as the Russia election probe. They say he misled the legislative body by stating he had not permitted someone at the FBI to leak to news outlets data about the agency probes.
Government lawyers also allege Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to influence, obstruct and slow" the committee by providing untrue information to it.
Public Statements
Through a recording Mr Comey shared to his online platform after he was charged, he stated he was not guilty and alleged Donald Trump of acting like a "tyrant".
"Our household have understood for considerable time that there are costs to challenging the former president," he said. "We refuse to live on our bended knee."
"I am not guilty," he added. "Therefore proceed with a trial."
These allegations against Mr Comey came after Donald Trump posted on social media demanding his top legal official, the attorney general, take legal action against James Comey and additional individuals.
Related Developments
- Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James Comey charged on pair of allegations
- The nature of charges does former director James Comey confront?