Ex- FBI Head James Comey Enters Innocent Plea to Accusations of Lying Lawmakers
Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the former director has denied the charges to making false statements to lawmakers and hindering a congressional proceeding.
The former director's legal representative submitted the answer on his behalf in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.
Patrick Fitzgerald stated he would seek to have the proceedings thrown out for several reasons including that his client, a detractor of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.
The former director was formally accused shortly after Trump urged his chief prosecutor to take action against him.
Court Developments
During the hearing on Wednesday, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald informed the judge they planned to present various petitions to throw out the case before a court case, arguing the legal action was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was improperly designated to take over the legal matter.
James Comey's case was first managed by the original attorney, who resigned under pressure from Donald Trump after his examination into a different political adversary - the New York official - did not succeed to bring criminal charges.
Legal Setting
Mr Comey seemed in good spirits as he entered the legal venue on Wednesday, chatting with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was joined by his spouse, Mrs Failor and daughter Maureen, a government attorney who the former government dismissed.
Following the reading to the judge recite his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, the defendant was asked if he comprehended the allegations.
"Yes your honour. Appreciate it," he informed the court.
Historical Information
Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was fired about several months into Donald Trump's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the time, the director was directing an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between Moscow and Trump's campaign.
Throughout his leadership, James Comey sparked a backlash from the Democratic party when he declared just days before the national vote that he was examining Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Indictments against Hillary Clinton were never brought, resulting in negative feedback from Republicans as well.
Present Charges
Prosecutors claim Mr Comey gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in September 2020 when he was being questioned about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They claim he deceived the upper house by saying he had not authorized a person at the FBI to disclose to news outlets details about the government examinations.
Prosecutors also accuse Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to affect, block and delay" the panel by making false statements to it.
Public Statements
In a video James Comey shared to his social media after he was charged, he declared he was not guilty and charged Donald Trump of acting like a "dictator".
"My family and I have been aware for considerable time that there are costs to standing up to the former president," he commented. "We will not live on our kneeling."
"I have done nothing wrong," he continued. "Thus initiate a court case."
The charges against James Comey emerged after Donald Trump posted on digital channels calling for his attorney general, Ms Bondi, prosecute the former director and other people.
Associated Events
- Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey indicted on pair of allegations
- The nature of charges is ex-FBI director James Comey encounter?