Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation Head James Comey Enters Denial Plea to Allegations of Falsehoods Lawmakers
Former FBI head James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to lawmakers and impeding a lawmaking procedure.
The former director's lawyer submitted the plea on his behalf in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.
Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would seek to have the proceedings thrown out for multiple causes including that his the accused, a critic of President Donald Trump, was being singled out.
Mr Comey was charged shortly after the former president urged his top legal official to proceed against him.
Court Developments
In court on Wednesday, the defense counsel the legal representative told the judge they planned to file multiple petitions to dismiss the case before a legal hearing, arguing the legal action was retaliatory and that a federal prosecutor was improperly assigned to take over the proceedings.
The former director's legal matter was originally overseen by the original attorney, who stepped down under influence from Trump after his probe into another opponent - the New York official - did not succeed to file indictments.
Judicial Environment
Mr Comey appeared in positive mood as he walked into the legal venue on mid-week, speaking with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was accompanied by his partner, his wife and child his daughter, a US lawyer who the previous administration terminated.
After listening to the court read his legal protections and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, the defendant was inquired if he understood the allegations.
"I do your honour. Thank you very much," he informed the court.
Historical Information
Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was terminated about a few months into Donald Trump's first term as national leader. At the time, the director was overseeing an examination into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and the election effort.
While in office, Mr Comey sparked a counter-response from Democrats when he stated just days before the national vote that he was investigating presidential nominee the candidate's use of a personal email system. Indictments against Clinton were never brought, causing criticism from Republicans as well.
Current Allegations
Government attorneys claim James Comey gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the Clinton investigation as well as the Russia election probe. They allege he deceived the upper house by claiming he had not approved someone at the FBI to leak to media organizations information about the agency probes.
Legal representatives also allege Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to sway, block and delay" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.
Public Statements
Through a recording Mr Comey published to his Instagram after he was indicted, he stated he was wrongly accused and alleged Donald Trump of conducting himself like a "autocrat".
"Our household have understood for years that there are costs to standing up to the former president," he stated. "We refuse to live on our knees."
"I am not guilty," he stated further. "Therefore proceed with a court case."
These allegations against the former director surfaced after Trump published on digital channels insisting on his attorney general, the attorney general, charge James Comey and additional individuals.
Related Developments
- Former Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James Comey accused on pair of allegations
- What allegations does ex-FBI director James Comey face?