Former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey Submits Innocent Plea to Accusations of Lying US Legislators
Previous FBI chief James the former director has denied the charges to making false statements to congressional representatives and obstructing a lawmaking procedure.
Mr Comey's legal representative submitted the answer acting as his counsel in a US district court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.
His attorney declared he would try to have the proceedings dismissed for multiple factors including that his the accused, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.
The former director was formally accused soon after Trump pushed his chief prosecutor to proceed against him.
Judicial Process
In court on Wednesday, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald advised the magistrate they aimed to submit various petitions to terminate the legal matter before a trial, arguing the government's case was spiteful and that a federal prosecutor was unlawfully designated to take over the proceedings.
Mr Comey's legal matter was first managed by Erik Siebert, who stepped down under influence from Donald Trump after his probe into an additional political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - failed to initiate prosecution.
Judicial Environment
Mr Comey appeared in positive mood as he came into the courtroom on Wednesday, chatting with his attorneys and making jokes. He was supported by his wife, his wife and child Maureen, a federal prosecutor who the Trump administration dismissed.
Upon hearing to the magistrate recite his legal protections and the two counts against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, James Comey was questioned if he comprehended the charges.
"Yes your honour. Thank you," he told the court.
Background Context
Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was fired about several months into Trump's initial presidency as president. At the period, Mr Comey was overseeing an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and the presidential campaign.
During his tenure, the director caused a backlash from liberal politicians when he announced just immediately preceding the national vote that he was investigating Democratic candidate the candidate's use of a private email server. Legal actions against the candidate were not filed, causing disapproval from the Republican party as well.
Current Allegations
The federal government allege James Comey lied to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being questioned about both the Clinton investigation as well as the Russia election probe. They say he deceived the Senate by stating he had not authorized someone at the FBI to release to journalistic entities information about the government examinations.
Prosecutors also accuse Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to affect, obstruct and slow" the committee by making false statements to it.
Individual Responses
Through a recording Mr Comey shared to his Instagram after he was accused, he declared he was innocent and accused the former president of acting like a "autocrat".
"Our household have known for years that there are consequences to standing up to the former president," he commented. "We will not live on our bended knee."
"I'm innocent," he stated further. "Thus initiate a trial."
The accusations against James Comey came after the former president shared on digital channels calling for his chief prosecutor, Ms Bondi, charge James Comey and other people.
Related Developments
- Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey accused on two charges
- The nature of allegations is former director James Comey confront?