Ex- FBI Director James Comey Submits Not Guilty Plea to Charges of Lying Lawmakers
Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the former director has entered an innocent plea to making false statements to congressional representatives and hindering a legislative process.
Mr Comey's legal representative entered the response representing him in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.
His attorney announced he would seek to have the proceedings thrown out for multiple reasons including that his the accused, a critic of Donald Trump, was being targeted.
Mr Comey was indicted just days after the former president pushed his chief prosecutor to proceed against him.
Judicial Process
At the proceedings on Wednesday, his attorney the legal representative advised the magistrate they aimed to file several petitions to terminate the case before a trial, claiming the legal action was spiteful and that a government lawyer was improperly designated to handle the case.
The former director's legal matter was first handled by the original attorney, who stepped down under influence from the former president after his probe into an additional opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - failed to bring criminal charges.
Courtroom Atmosphere
Mr Comey came across in good spirits as he came into the courtroom on mid-week, chatting with his lawyers and making jokes. He was joined by his partner, his wife and child his daughter, a federal prosecutor who the Trump administration terminated.
Upon hearing to the court state his legal protections and the pair of allegations against him in the courtroom on mid-week, the defendant was questioned if he grasped the allegations.
"I do your honour. Appreciate it," he stated to the judge.
Background Context
James Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was dismissed about a few months into Trump's first administration as president. At the period, the director was directing an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between Russia and the election effort.
While in office, Mr Comey triggered a negative reaction from the Democratic party when he declared just shortly prior to the 2016 presidential election that he was examining presidential nominee the candidate's use of a personal email system. Charges against the candidate were not pursued, resulting in disapproval from the Republican party as well.
Current Allegations
Prosecutors assert James Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 when he was being questioned about both the previous examination as well as the election interference investigation. They allege he provided false information to the upper house by stating he had not authorized a person at the agency to disclose to media organizations information about the FBI investigations.
Government lawyers also accuse James Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, block and delay" the legislative group by making false statements to it.
Public Statements
Via social media Mr Comey shared to his Instagram after he was charged, he said he was innocent and accused Donald Trump of behaving like a "dictator".
"Our household have been aware for considerable time that there are consequences to challenging Mr Trump," he stated. "We refuse to live on our bended knee."
"I have done nothing wrong," he stated further. "Thus initiate a trial."
These allegations against James Comey came after Trump shared on digital channels insisting on his top legal official, Pam Bondi, take legal action against Mr Comey and others.
Related Developments
- Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey indicted on pair of allegations
- What charges is former director James Comey confront?