Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation Chief James Comey Enters Denial Plea to Accusations of Misleading US Legislators
Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the ex-FBI chief has denied the charges to providing misleading information to congressional representatives and obstructing a lawmaking procedure.
His legal representative filed the answer representing him in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.
The defense lawyer announced he would seek to have the case dismissed for various factors including that his client, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being targeted.
Mr Comey was formally accused just days after Trump pushed his top legal official to take action against him.
Judicial Process
During the hearing on mid-week, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald informed the magistrate they intended to file various legal requests to dismiss the legal matter before a court case, stating the prosecution was spiteful and that a government lawyer was wrongfully assigned to handle the case.
James Comey's case was first handled by Erik Siebert, who resigned under pressure from the former president after his probe into another political adversary - New York Attorney General Letitia James - did not succeed to initiate prosecution.
Courtroom Atmosphere
Mr Comey appeared in good spirits as he entered the legal venue on mid-week, conversing with his attorneys and making jokes. He was accompanied by his partner, his wife and offspring Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the Trump administration recently fired.
Following the reading to the court state his legal protections and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, the defendant was asked if he grasped the accusations.
"I do your honour. Thank you very much," he informed the court.
Historical Information
Mr Comey was the FBI Director from four years and was fired about four months into Trump's initial presidency as president. At the time, he was overseeing an probe into international campaign influence and whether there were any links between the Russian government and the presidential campaign.
During his tenure, James Comey caused a backlash from liberal politicians when he announced just immediately preceding the 2016 election that he was probing presidential nominee Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Charges against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, resulting in criticism from the Republican party as well.
Current Allegations
Government attorneys claim the former director provided false information to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being questioned about both the previous examination as well as the election interference investigation. They say he misled the upper house by claiming he had not approved a person at the FBI to leak to news outlets details about the government examinations.
Prosecutors also charge Mr Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to sway, hinder and delay" the legislative group by making false statements to it.
Personal Comments
In a video Mr Comey posted to his social media after he was accused, he stated he was not guilty and charged Donald Trump of behaving like a "tyrant".
"My family and I have known for a long time that there are costs to challenging Mr Trump," he commented. "We refuse to live on our knees."
"I am not guilty," he continued. "Therefore proceed with a trial."
The charges against Mr Comey emerged after Trump posted on online platforms insisting on his top legal official, the attorney general, take legal action against Mr Comey and other people.
Related Developments
- Former Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey indicted on two charges
- What charges is former director James Comey face?