Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation Chief James Comey Files Innocent Plea to Charges of Lying Lawmakers
Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and obstructing a legislative process.
Mr Comey's legal representative filed the response on his behalf in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.
His attorney stated he would try to have the case terminated for various causes including that his defendant, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.
The former director was charged shortly after Trump urged his chief prosecutor to move forward against him.
Court Developments
At the proceedings on mid-week, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald informed the magistrate they aimed to file various petitions to dismiss the proceedings before a court case, stating the legal action was vindictive and that a government lawyer was improperly designated to handle the case.
The former director's legal matter was initially managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who resigned under pressure from Trump after his examination into a different rival - NY AG Letitia James - failed to bring criminal charges.
Legal Setting
James Comey came across in optimistic frame of mind as he walked into the court on Wednesday, chatting with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was joined by his wife, his wife and daughter his daughter, a US lawyer who the former government recently fired.
Following the reading to the court recite his legal protections and the two counts against him in the courtroom on mid-week, Mr Comey was asked if he comprehended the accusations.
"I do your honour. Thank you," he informed the proceedings.
Historical Information
The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was fired about four months into the former president's first term as commander-in-chief. At the time, Mr Comey was overseeing an investigation into international campaign influence and whether there were any relationships between Russia and the presidential campaign.
While in office, James Comey sparked a negative reaction from liberal politicians when he stated just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was investigating presidential nominee the candidate's use of a personal email system. Indictments against the candidate were not pursued, resulting in negative feedback from conservative politicians as well.
Current Allegations
The federal government assert Mr Comey lied to the legislature during a congressional hearing in September 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They claim he deceived the Senate by stating he had not authorized someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to release to journalistic entities data about the government examinations.
Legal representatives also charge James Comey of "improperly attempting to sway, block and impede" the legislative group by giving misleading testimony to it.
Individual Responses
Through a recording James Comey published to his online platform after he was accused, he said he was not guilty and charged Trump of acting like a "dictator".
"We have been aware for a long time that there are costs to challenging Donald Trump," he said. "We choose not to live on our knees."
"I'm innocent," he continued. "Therefore proceed with a legal proceeding."
The charges against the former director came after the former president published on digital channels insisting on his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, prosecute the former director and additional individuals.
Associated Events
- Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey accused on two charges
- Which charges are former director James Comey face?