Previous FBI Chief James Comey Enters Denial Plea to Accusations of Falsehoods US Legislators
Former Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and hindering a lawmaking procedure.
His legal representative filed the response on his behalf in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.
The defense lawyer declared he would try to have the case dismissed for various reasons including that his client, a detractor of former President Trump, was being targeted.
Mr Comey was charged soon after Trump pushed his attorney general to proceed against him.
Judicial Process
During the hearing on mid-week, Comey's lawyer the legal representative told the court they planned to file various legal requests to throw out the proceedings before a trial, stating the legal action was spiteful and that a US attorney was unlawfully assigned to assume control of the case.
James Comey's case was initially overseen by the original attorney, who stepped down under scrutiny from Trump after his probe into a different opponent - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to bring criminal charges.
Legal Setting
The former director appeared in positive mood as he walked into the courtroom on Wednesday, conversing with his attorneys and making jokes. He was joined by his wife, his wife and offspring Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the Trump administration recently fired.
Upon hearing to the magistrate read his legal protections and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on mid-week, Mr Comey was asked if he grasped the charges.
"I do your honour. Thank you," he informed the proceedings.
Previous Events
Mr Comey was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was fired about a few months into Trump's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the period, the director was leading an probe into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between Moscow and the presidential campaign.
While in office, the director sparked a negative reaction from Democrats when he announced just shortly prior to the 2016 presidential election that he was examining political contender Hillary Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against the candidate were not pursued, resulting in negative feedback from Republicans as well.
Present Charges
The federal government assert Mr Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a congressional hearing in September 2020 when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he deceived the Senate by saying he had not permitted a person at the agency to release to journalistic entities information about the agency probes.
Government lawyers also accuse the defendant of "corruptly endeavoring to affect, obstruct and delay" the legislative group by providing untrue information to it.
Individual Responses
Via social media James Comey posted to his online platform after he was accused, he declared he was innocent and alleged Donald Trump of acting like a "dictator".
"We have been aware for considerable time that there are ramifications to standing up to Donald Trump," he commented. "We refuse to live on our kneeling."
"I have done nothing wrong," he added. "So let's have a court case."
The charges against the former director emerged after Donald Trump posted on social media calling for his top legal official, Pam Bondi, charge James Comey and additional individuals.
Connected Matters
- Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey accused on two charges
- What charges does former director James Comey encounter?