Former FBI Director James Comey Files Denial Plea to Charges of Falsehoods Congress
Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James Comey has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to US legislators and impeding a legislative process.
Mr Comey's attorney entered the answer representing him in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.
Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would attempt to have the legal matter thrown out for several factors including that his client, a opponent of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.
Mr Comey was charged soon after Trump pressured his top legal official to move forward against him.
Court Developments
During the hearing on Wednesday, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald informed the judge they intended to submit multiple petitions to terminate the legal matter before a court case, arguing the prosecution was retaliatory and that a US attorney was wrongfully appointed to take over the legal matter.
The former director's proceedings was initially handled by the original attorney, who resigned under pressure from Donald Trump after his examination into a different political adversary - New York Attorney General Letitia James - was unable to initiate prosecution.
Legal Setting
James Comey seemed in positive mood as he walked into the legal venue on Wednesday, chatting with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Failor and child Maureen Comey, a US lawyer who the Trump administration terminated.
Upon hearing to the magistrate state his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, the defendant was asked if he comprehended the accusations.
"Yes your honour. Thank you," he stated to the judge.
Previous Events
Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was fired about several months into the former president's first administration as president. At the moment, the director was leading an probe into Russian election interference and whether there were any connections between Russia and the presidential campaign.
While in office, the director caused a negative reaction from the Democratic party when he stated just days before the 2016 presidential election that he was examining presidential nominee the candidate's use of a private email server. Legal actions against the candidate were not filed, causing disapproval from conservative politicians as well.
Current Allegations
The federal government claim Mr Comey gave untrue statements to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the email probe as well as the election interference investigation. They claim he misled the Senate by stating he had not approved a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to news outlets details about the FBI investigations.
Legal representatives also allege James Comey of "wrongfully trying to affect, block and slow" the panel by providing untrue information to it.
Personal Comments
Through a recording the former director posted to his online platform after he was accused, he declared he was wrongly accused and accused Donald Trump of conducting himself like a "dictator".
"My family and I have known for considerable time that there are consequences to challenging Donald Trump," he stated. "We choose not to live on our bended knee."
"I am not guilty," he continued. "So let's have a trial."
These allegations against James Comey surfaced after the former president shared on online platforms demanding his attorney general, Ms Bondi, prosecute Mr Comey and other people.
Connected Matters
- Former FBI chief James Comey charged on pair of allegations
- The nature of accusations is former director James Comey encounter?