Previous FBI Director James Comey Files Denial Plea to Accusations of Misleading Congress
Ex- FBI director James the former director has entered an innocent plea to providing misleading information to US legislators and hindering a lawmaking procedure.
Mr Comey's attorney entered the answer acting as his counsel in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.
His attorney declared he would try to have the case thrown out for multiple factors including that his defendant, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being singled out.
The former director was formally accused just days after the former president pushed his chief prosecutor to take action against him.
Legal Proceedings
At the proceedings on Wednesday, the defense counsel Mr Fitzgerald told the court they planned to present multiple legal requests to terminate the case before a legal hearing, stating the legal action was vindictive and that a government lawyer was wrongfully designated to assume control of the legal matter.
James Comey's case was initially handled by Erik Siebert, who resigned under influence from the former president after his examination into another rival - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to file indictments.
Courtroom Atmosphere
The former director appeared in good spirits as he entered the court on Wednesday, speaking with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was joined by his spouse, Patrice Failor and child Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the former government dismissed.
Following the reading to the magistrate read his rights and the pair of allegations against him in court on Wednesday, Mr Comey was inquired if he understood the allegations.
"Yes your honour. Thank you very much," he informed the court.
Previous Events
James Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was dismissed about a few months into the former president's initial presidency as commander-in-chief. At the time, the director was overseeing an examination into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between Moscow and the presidential campaign.
While in office, Mr Comey sparked a counter-response from the Democratic party when he declared just days before the 2016 presidential election that he was examining Democratic candidate the candidate's use of a personal email system. Charges against Clinton were not pursued, leading to criticism from conservative politicians as well.
Ongoing Accusations
Government attorneys allege James Comey lied to Congress during a legislative proceeding in 2020 when he was being questioned about both the Clinton investigation as well as the Russia election probe. They say he deceived the legislative body by claiming he had not permitted an individual at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to news outlets information about the government examinations.
Legal representatives also allege James Comey of "improperly attempting to sway, hinder and delay" the panel by providing untrue information to it.
Personal Comments
Through a recording Mr Comey shared to his Instagram after he was charged, he declared he was not guilty and charged Donald Trump of behaving like a "autocrat".
"Our household have known for a long time that there are consequences to standing up to Mr Trump," he said. "We will not live on our knees."
"I have done nothing wrong," he stated further. "So let's have a court case."
The accusations against James Comey surfaced after Trump posted on social media calling for his attorney general, Pam Bondi, prosecute the former director and additional individuals.
Connected Matters
- Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James Comey accused on dual counts
- What allegations does former director James Comey confront?