Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation Chief James Comey Files Not Guilty Plea to Charges of Falsehoods US Legislators
Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to lawmakers and obstructing a congressional proceeding.
His lawyer filed the plea acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.
His attorney declared he would try to have the proceedings dismissed for several causes including that his the accused, a opponent of Donald Trump, was being targeted.
James Comey was formally accused soon after Donald Trump pushed his attorney general to move forward against him.
Judicial Process
At the proceedings on mid-week, the defense counsel Mr Fitzgerald advised the judge they planned to file various legal requests to dismiss the proceedings before a legal hearing, arguing the prosecution was vindictive and that a government lawyer was improperly designated to take over the case.
The former director's case was originally managed by Erik Siebert, who stepped down under scrutiny from Trump after his probe into another opponent - NY AG Letitia James - failed to file indictments.
Judicial Environment
James Comey came across in good spirits as he came into the court on Wednesday, conversing with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was supported by his spouse, his wife and offspring Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the Trump administration terminated.
Following the reading to the court recite his rights and the dual charges against him in court on Wednesday, Mr Comey was asked if he grasped the charges.
"I do your honour. Thank you," he told the proceedings.
Previous Events
Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013-2017 and was fired about several months into the former president's first administration as national leader. At the time, the director was directing an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and the election effort.
During his tenure, the director sparked a backlash from the Democratic party when he declared just immediately preceding the national vote that he was investigating presidential nominee the candidate's use of a personal email system. Legal actions against Hillary Clinton were never brought, resulting in criticism from the Republican party as well.
Current Allegations
Prosecutors allege the former director gave untrue statements to the legislature during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the Clinton investigation as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he deceived the upper house by claiming he had not permitted an individual at the FBI to disclose to media organizations data about the FBI investigations.
Legal representatives also allege James Comey of "improperly attempting to sway, hinder and impede" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.
Public Statements
Through a recording the former director posted to his social media after he was indicted, he said he was not guilty and alleged the former president of behaving like a "tyrant".
"Our household have understood for considerable time that there are consequences to challenging the former president," he commented. "We choose not to live on our knees."
"I am not guilty," he stated further. "Thus initiate a trial."
These allegations against the former director emerged after Trump posted on online platforms calling for his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, charge James Comey and additional individuals.
Related Developments
- Former FBI director James Comey indicted on two charges
- What charges is ex-FBI director James Comey confront?