Former FBI Director James Comey Files Innocent Plea to Allegations of Misleading Lawmakers
Ex- FBI director James Comey has denied the charges to giving untrue testimony to lawmakers and impeding a legislative process.
Mr Comey's legal representative filed the plea acting as his counsel in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.
The defense lawyer announced he would seek to have the case terminated for several causes including that his client, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.
Mr Comey was indicted just days after the former president pressured his chief prosecutor to proceed against him.
Legal Proceedings
In court on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer the legal representative informed the judge they aimed to file multiple legal requests to dismiss the case before a trial, claiming the prosecution was vindictive and that a US attorney was improperly assigned to assume control of the case.
The former director's proceedings was initially handled by a Virginia prosecutor, who stepped down under scrutiny from Donald Trump after his examination into another rival - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to initiate prosecution.
Legal Setting
James Comey appeared in good spirits as he came into the courtroom on Wednesday, conversing with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was joined by his partner, Mrs Failor and offspring Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the former government dismissed.
Upon hearing to the magistrate recite his legal protections and the dual charges against him in court on mid-week, James Comey was questioned if he grasped the allegations.
"Yes your honour. Thank you very much," he informed the proceedings.
Previous Events
James Comey was the FBI Director from four years and was fired about four months into Trump's first term as president. At the period, he was directing an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and the election effort.
While in office, the director triggered a backlash from the Democratic party when he announced just days before the 2016 presidential election that he was examining political contender Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Indictments against Clinton were never brought, resulting in criticism from Republicans as well.
Current Allegations
The federal government claim James Comey provided false information to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They allege he deceived the legislative body by saying he had not authorized an individual at the FBI to disclose to news outlets information about the government examinations.
Legal representatives also accuse Mr Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, hinder and impede" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.
Personal Comments
Via social media Mr Comey shared to his social media after he was accused, he said he was not guilty and alleged Donald Trump of conducting himself like a "tyrant".
"Our household have understood for years that there are ramifications to standing up to Mr Trump," he said. "We will not live on our bended knee."
"I have done nothing wrong," he added. "Thus initiate a legal proceeding."
These allegations against the former director emerged after the former president posted on digital channels insisting on his attorney general, Ms Bondi, take legal action against Mr Comey and other people.
Related Developments
- Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey accused on dual counts
- What charges is ex-FBI director James Comey encounter?