Previous FBI Chief James Comey Enters Denial Plea to Charges of Falsehoods US Legislators
Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the ex-FBI chief has denied the charges to providing misleading information to US legislators and obstructing a legislative process.
His lawyer filed the response acting as his counsel in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.
The defense lawyer declared he would seek to have the legal matter dismissed for several reasons including that his client, a opponent of former President Trump, was being targeted.
James Comey was charged just days after Donald Trump urged his top legal official to proceed against him.
Court Developments
At the proceedings on Wednesday, the defense counsel the legal representative informed the judge they aimed to file several petitions to throw out the case before a court case, arguing the government's case was retaliatory and that a government lawyer was improperly assigned to take over the case.
James Comey's proceedings was first overseen by the original attorney, who stepped down under pressure from the former president after his probe into another opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - failed to file indictments.
Courtroom Atmosphere
James Comey appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the legal venue on Wednesday, speaking with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was accompanied by his spouse, his wife and offspring his daughter, a US lawyer who the previous administration recently fired.
Following the reading to the judge read his legal protections and the two counts against him in court on Wednesday, James Comey was inquired if he grasped the accusations.
"I do your honour. Thank you," he informed the judge.
Historical Information
James Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was fired about several months into the former president's first term as president. At the period, the director was directing an investigation into Russian election interference and whether there were any connections between Russia and Trump's campaign.
During his tenure, James Comey triggered a counter-response from the Democratic party when he announced just days before the 2016 election that he was examining Democratic candidate Clinton's use of a personal email system. Legal actions against Hillary Clinton were never brought, causing criticism from conservative politicians as well.
Present Charges
Government attorneys claim Mr Comey provided false information to the legislature during a congressional hearing in 2020 when he was being examined about both the Clinton investigation as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he provided false information to the upper house by saying he had not authorized a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to journalistic entities data about the government examinations.
Prosecutors also accuse the defendant of "corruptly endeavoring to sway, block and delay" the legislative group by providing untrue information to it.
Individual Responses
Via social media James Comey shared to his Instagram after he was charged, he said he was wrongly accused and charged Donald Trump of acting like a "autocrat".
"Our household have been aware for years that there are consequences to standing up to Mr Trump," he said. "We will not live on our kneeling."
"I'm innocent," he added. "Therefore proceed with a legal proceeding."
These allegations against the former director came after the former president published on social media calling for his top legal official, the attorney general, take legal action against James Comey and additional individuals.
Related Developments
- Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James Comey accused on two charges
- What allegations is previous chief James Comey encounter?