Ex- FBI Head James Comey Enters Innocent Plea to Charges of Lying Lawmakers
Former FBI director James Comey has denied the charges to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and hindering a legislative process.
His lawyer submitted the plea acting as his counsel in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.
Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would seek to have the case terminated for multiple reasons including that his defendant, a opponent of Donald Trump, was being targeted.
Mr Comey was formally accused shortly after Trump pushed his top legal official to proceed against him.
Court Developments
In court on Wednesday, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald advised the magistrate they aimed to submit multiple motions to throw out the case before a legal hearing, stating the government's case was spiteful and that a federal prosecutor was unlawfully designated to handle the legal matter.
The former director's legal matter was originally handled by the original attorney, who resigned under pressure from Donald Trump after his probe into a different opponent - the New York official - did not succeed to file indictments.
Courtroom Atmosphere
The former director appeared in positive mood as he walked into the courtroom on mid-week, chatting with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was joined by his spouse, Patrice Failor and child Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the Trump administration dismissed.
After listening to the court state his rights and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, Mr Comey was inquired if he comprehended the accusations.
"Yes your honour. Appreciate it," he informed the judge.
Previous Events
Mr Comey was the FBI Director from four years and was terminated about a few months into the former president's initial presidency as commander-in-chief. At the moment, Mr Comey was leading an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between Moscow and Trump's campaign.
While in office, James Comey triggered a counter-response from liberal politicians when he stated just days before the national vote that he was probing presidential nominee Clinton's use of a personal email system. Indictments against Clinton were not filed, resulting in negative feedback from conservative politicians as well.
Current Allegations
Government attorneys assert Mr Comey provided false information to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the previous examination as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he deceived the legislative body by stating he had not permitted a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to journalistic entities information about the agency probes.
Government lawyers also accuse Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to affect, obstruct and delay" the panel by making false statements to it.
Public Statements
Through a recording the former director posted to his Instagram after he was charged, he declared he was innocent and charged Trump of behaving like a "dictator".
"Our household have known for a long time that there are consequences to standing up to Donald Trump," he said. "We choose not to live on our knees."
"I have done nothing wrong," he added. "Thus initiate a trial."
These allegations against James Comey came after Donald Trump shared on digital channels demanding his attorney general, Pam Bondi, charge the former director and additional individuals.
Associated Events
- Previous FBI head James Comey charged on pair of allegations
- The nature of charges does previous chief James Comey face?