Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey Files Innocent Plea to Accusations of Lying Congress
Previous FBI chief James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to lawmakers and obstructing a congressional proceeding.
His legal representative submitted the answer representing him in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.
The defense lawyer announced he would attempt to have the case dismissed for multiple causes including that his client, a detractor of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.
The former director was charged shortly after Donald Trump pushed his attorney general to proceed against him.
Judicial Process
During the hearing on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer the legal representative advised the court they planned to present various legal requests to throw out the case before a legal hearing, arguing the government's case was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was improperly designated to take over the case.
The former director's legal matter was initially overseen by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under influence from Donald Trump after his probe into a different opponent - the New York official - failed to bring criminal charges.
Judicial Environment
Mr Comey appeared in good spirits as he entered the court on Wednesday, speaking with his attorneys and making jokes. He was supported by his wife, Patrice Failor and daughter his daughter, a government attorney who the Trump administration recently fired.
Upon hearing to the judge read his rights and the two counts against him in court on Wednesday, James Comey was asked if he comprehended the accusations.
"I do your honour. Thank you," he told the judge.
Previous Events
James Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was terminated about a few months into Trump's first term as commander-in-chief. At the period, Mr Comey was directing an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between Moscow and the presidential campaign.
While in office, James Comey triggered a counter-response from the Democratic party when he declared just days before the 2016 election that he was examining presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Legal actions against the candidate were never brought, resulting in disapproval from Republicans as well.
Present Charges
Government attorneys allege the former director gave untrue statements to the legislature during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being examined about both the Clinton investigation as well as the Russia election probe. They allege he provided false information to the legislative body by saying he had not authorized a person at the agency to leak to media organizations data about the agency probes.
Prosecutors also charge James Comey of "wrongfully trying to sway, obstruct and slow" the legislative group by providing untrue information to it.
Individual Responses
In a video James Comey posted to his online platform after he was indicted, he said he was wrongly accused and charged the former president of acting like a "dictator".
"My family and I have known for years that there are ramifications to challenging Donald Trump," he said. "We choose not to live on our bended knee."
"I am not guilty," he stated further. "Thus initiate a court case."
The accusations against the former director emerged after Donald Trump published on social media calling for his top legal official, the attorney general, prosecute Mr Comey and additional individuals.
Associated Events
- Former Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey indicted on dual counts
- The nature of charges does previous chief James Comey confront?