Former Federal Bureau of Investigation Chief James Comey Files Innocent Plea to Charges of Misleading Congress
Former Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the ex-FBI chief has denied the charges to giving untrue testimony to lawmakers and impeding a lawmaking procedure.
Mr Comey's attorney submitted the answer representing him in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.
Patrick Fitzgerald stated he would seek to have the proceedings terminated for several causes including that his the accused, a opponent of former President Trump, was being singled out.
The former director was formally accused shortly after the former president pressured his attorney general to proceed against him.
Court Developments
During the hearing on mid-week, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald advised the magistrate they planned to submit multiple petitions to terminate the legal matter before a trial, stating the prosecution was retaliatory and that a federal prosecutor was unlawfully assigned to take over the proceedings.
The former director's case was first handled by the original attorney, who left his position under influence from Donald Trump after his probe into another opponent - the New York official - did not succeed to file indictments.
Legal Setting
James Comey seemed in good spirits as he walked into the court on Wednesday, speaking with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was joined by his spouse, Mrs Failor and child Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration terminated.
After listening to the court read his rights and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on mid-week, Mr Comey was questioned if he understood the allegations.
"I do your honour. Appreciate it," he stated to the proceedings.
Historical Information
Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was dismissed about four months into Trump's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the moment, he was overseeing an examination into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and Trump's campaign.
During his tenure, Mr Comey sparked a counter-response from Democrats when he stated just days before the 2016 presidential election that he was examining political contender Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Indictments against the candidate were not pursued, leading to criticism from Republicans as well.
Ongoing Accusations
Government attorneys allege Mr Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being questioned about both the Clinton investigation as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he deceived the legislative body by claiming he had not approved an individual at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to news outlets details about the FBI investigations.
Government lawyers also allege Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to affect, obstruct and impede" the committee by providing untrue information to it.
Personal Comments
Via social media the former director posted to his social media after he was accused, he said he was wrongly accused and accused Trump of acting like a "tyrant".
"My family and I have been aware for a long time that there are ramifications to standing up to Mr Trump," he commented. "We refuse to live on our knees."
"I have done nothing wrong," he stated further. "So let's have a trial."
The accusations against James Comey surfaced after Trump shared on digital channels demanding his attorney general, Ms Bondi, charge the former director and other people.
Related Developments
- Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey charged on two charges
- Which charges does ex-FBI director James Comey confront?