Former FBI Head James Comey Enters Denial Plea to Accusations of Lying US Legislators
Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and impeding a legislative process.
Mr Comey's legal representative entered the plea acting as his counsel in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.
His attorney declared he would attempt to have the proceedings terminated for various factors including that his client, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being singled out.
The former director was indicted just days after Donald Trump pushed his attorney general to take action against him.
Court Developments
In court on mid-week, his attorney the legal representative told the court they planned to file several legal requests to throw out the case before a trial, arguing the legal action was spiteful and that a federal prosecutor was unlawfully appointed to assume control of the proceedings.
The former director's legal matter was first managed by the original attorney, who resigned under influence from the former president after his examination into a different opponent - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to initiate prosecution.
Legal Setting
James Comey came across in good spirits as he entered the courtroom on Wednesday, conversing with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was joined by his spouse, his wife and offspring his daughter, a government attorney who the former government dismissed.
Following the reading to the magistrate recite his rights and the pair of allegations against him in court on mid-week, the defendant was asked if he understood the allegations.
"Yes your honour. Thank you very much," he told the proceedings.
Previous Events
The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013-2017 and was fired about several months into Donald Trump's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the time, he was leading an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any relationships between Russia and the election effort.
During his tenure, the director sparked a backlash from liberal politicians when he stated just shortly prior to the 2016 presidential election that he was investigating presidential nominee Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against Hillary Clinton were never brought, causing criticism from Republicans as well.
Ongoing Accusations
Government attorneys allege James Comey provided false information to the legislature during a congressional hearing in 2020 when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They say he misled the Senate by claiming he had not authorized a person at the FBI to disclose to media organizations data about the government examinations.
Legal representatives also allege the defendant of "corruptly endeavoring to affect, obstruct and slow" the legislative group by making false statements to it.
Personal Comments
Via social media James Comey published to his online platform after he was accused, he declared he was not guilty and charged Trump of conducting himself like a "tyrant".
"We have understood for considerable time that there are consequences to opposing the former president," he said. "We refuse to live on our bended knee."
"I have done nothing wrong," he added. "Therefore proceed with a legal proceeding."
The accusations against Mr Comey surfaced after Donald Trump shared on digital channels demanding his attorney general, Ms Bondi, charge Mr Comey and additional individuals.
Related Developments
- Former FBI head James Comey indicted on pair of allegations
- What accusations is former director James Comey encounter?