Ex- FBI Head James Comey Submits Innocent Plea to Accusations of Misleading Lawmakers
Former FBI director James the former director has denied the charges to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and hindering a congressional proceeding.
The former director's lawyer filed the plea on his behalf in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.
Patrick Fitzgerald announced he would attempt to have the legal matter thrown out for various causes including that his the accused, a critic of Donald Trump, was being singled out.
The former director was formally accused shortly after Trump pushed his attorney general to take action against him.
Judicial Process
In court on Wednesday, the defense counsel Mr Fitzgerald told the court they intended to present several petitions to throw out the legal matter before a legal hearing, arguing the legal action was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was unlawfully designated to take over the case.
Mr Comey's proceedings was first managed by the original attorney, who stepped down under pressure from Trump after his examination into a different rival - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to file indictments.
Legal Setting
James Comey appeared in good spirits as he entered the courtroom on Wednesday, speaking with his attorneys and making jokes. He was joined by his spouse, Patrice Failor and child his daughter, a US lawyer who the former government dismissed.
After listening to the court recite his legal protections and the pair of allegations against him in the courtroom on mid-week, Mr Comey was questioned if he grasped the allegations.
"Absolutely your honour. Appreciate it," he informed the court.
Background Context
James Comey was the head of the FBI from four years and was terminated about a few months into Trump's initial presidency as national leader. At the period, the director was leading an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between Russia and the presidential campaign.
Throughout his leadership, the director triggered a backlash from liberal politicians when he announced just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was investigating Democratic candidate Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against Clinton were never brought, causing criticism from Republicans as well.
Ongoing Accusations
The federal government claim James Comey gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the election interference investigation. They allege he provided false information to the legislative body by stating he had not permitted someone at the agency to leak to media organizations details about the government examinations.
Government lawyers also accuse the defendant of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, obstruct and impede" the legislative group by making false statements to it.
Personal Comments
In a video James Comey published to his social media after he was indicted, he declared he was wrongly accused and charged Donald Trump of behaving like a "tyrant".
"Our household have been aware for a long time that there are consequences to challenging the former president," he said. "We will not live on our kneeling."
"I am not guilty," he stated further. "Thus initiate a legal proceeding."
These allegations against Mr Comey came after the former president published on online platforms demanding his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, prosecute Mr Comey and other people.
Related Developments
- Former FBI chief James Comey charged on two charges
- What allegations is previous chief James Comey confront?