Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey Files Innocent Plea to Charges of Falsehoods US Legislators
Former Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the former director has entered an innocent plea to giving untrue testimony to lawmakers and hindering a legislative process.
The former director's lawyer filed the response representing him in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.
The defense lawyer announced he would attempt to have the proceedings dismissed for several factors including that his client, a critic of former President Trump, was being singled out.
James Comey was indicted shortly after Donald Trump urged his chief prosecutor to proceed against him.
Court Developments
At the proceedings on mid-week, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald informed the court they planned to file several petitions to terminate the proceedings before a court case, arguing the government's case was spiteful and that a federal prosecutor was unlawfully appointed to take over the proceedings.
The former director's proceedings was originally overseen by Erik Siebert, who left his position under pressure from Donald Trump after his examination into a different political adversary - New York Attorney General Letitia James - was unable to initiate prosecution.
Judicial Environment
James Comey appeared in positive mood as he came into the court on Wednesday, speaking with his legal team and making jokes. He was joined by his wife, Mrs Failor and child Maureen, a US lawyer who the Trump administration recently fired.
Upon hearing to the court read his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, Mr Comey was asked if he grasped the allegations.
"I do your honour. Thank you very much," he stated to the proceedings.
Background Context
James Comey was the FBI Director from four years and was terminated about several months into the former president's initial presidency as president. At the period, the director was overseeing an investigation into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and Trump's campaign.
Throughout his leadership, James Comey sparked a backlash from the Democratic party when he declared just days before the 2016 election that he was probing presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against Clinton were not filed, leading to negative feedback from conservative politicians as well.
Present Charges
Government attorneys allege the former director gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They allege he deceived the upper house by stating he had not approved someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to leak to journalistic entities information about the agency probes.
Prosecutors also allege James Comey of "improperly attempting to influence, obstruct and impede" the panel by making false statements to it.
Public Statements
Via social media Mr Comey published to his Instagram after he was accused, he stated he was wrongly accused and charged Trump of acting like a "autocrat".
"Our household have been aware for years that there are costs to challenging the former president," he commented. "We refuse to live on our kneeling."
"I have done nothing wrong," he added. "So let's have a court case."
The accusations against James Comey came after the former president posted on online platforms insisting on his top legal official, Ms Bondi, take legal action against the former director and additional individuals.
Connected Matters
- Ex- FBI chief James Comey accused on dual counts
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