Former Federal Bureau of Investigation Head James Comey Submits Innocent Plea to Accusations of Misleading Lawmakers
Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the former director has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to lawmakers and obstructing a legislative process.
His lawyer submitted the answer on his behalf in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.
The defense lawyer stated he would attempt to have the proceedings dismissed for various reasons including that his defendant, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.
The former director was charged soon after Donald Trump pressured his chief prosecutor to take action against him.
Judicial Process
In court on mid-week, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald told the magistrate they aimed to present multiple petitions to terminate the case before a trial, arguing the prosecution was vindictive and that a US attorney was wrongfully designated to assume control of the legal matter.
James Comey's legal matter was first managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who resigned under pressure from Donald Trump after his examination into an additional political adversary - New York Attorney General Letitia James - did not succeed to file indictments.
Legal Setting
James Comey came across in good spirits as he came into the legal venue on Wednesday, conversing with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was supported by his spouse, his wife and daughter his daughter, a federal prosecutor who the former government dismissed.
After listening to the magistrate read his constitutional guarantees and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, the defendant was questioned if he understood the allegations.
"Absolutely your honour. Thank you very much," he told the judge.
Previous Events
James Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was terminated about several months into the former president's first term as president. At the moment, the director was directing an investigation into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between Moscow and the election effort.
While in office, the director sparked a backlash from Democrats when he stated just immediately preceding the 2016 election that he was examining presidential nominee Clinton's use of a personal email system. Legal actions against the candidate were not filed, causing disapproval from the Republican party as well.
Present Charges
The federal government claim James Comey gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the email probe as well as the election interference investigation. They allege he deceived the upper house by saying he had not approved someone at the agency to disclose to journalistic entities data about the FBI investigations.
Legal representatives also charge James Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to sway, hinder and slow" the committee by making false statements to it.
Personal Comments
In a video the former director published to his Instagram after he was indicted, he declared he was wrongly accused and alleged Donald Trump of behaving like a "autocrat".
"Our household have understood for years that there are ramifications to challenging Mr Trump," he commented. "We will not live on our kneeling."
"I am not guilty," he continued. "So let's have a trial."
The accusations against the former director surfaced after Trump shared on digital channels demanding his top legal official, Pam Bondi, take legal action against James Comey and additional individuals.
Associated Events
- Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey accused on two charges
- What allegations are ex-FBI director James Comey encounter?