Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey Enters Not Guilty Plea to Charges of Falsehoods Lawmakers
Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey has entered an innocent plea to providing misleading information to congressional representatives and impeding a legislative process.
His attorney submitted the plea acting as his counsel in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.
His attorney stated he would attempt to have the case terminated for several causes including that his the accused, a detractor of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.
Mr Comey was formally accused soon after the former president urged his chief prosecutor to proceed against him.
Judicial Process
At the proceedings on mid-week, his attorney the legal representative told the court they aimed to submit various petitions to throw out the proceedings before a legal hearing, arguing the legal action was vindictive and that a government lawyer was improperly assigned to assume control of the legal matter.
James Comey's proceedings was initially overseen by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under pressure from the former president after his examination into a different opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - did not succeed to initiate prosecution.
Courtroom Atmosphere
The former director appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the courtroom on Wednesday, chatting with his attorneys and being lighthearted. He was accompanied by his spouse, his wife and daughter Maureen, a government attorney who the Trump administration recently fired.
Upon hearing to the judge recite his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, the defendant was inquired if he comprehended the charges.
"Yes your honour. Thank you," he stated to the proceedings.
Background Context
The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013-2017 and was fired about a few months into Donald Trump's first administration as national leader. At the time, Mr Comey was directing an probe into international campaign influence and whether there were any relationships between Russia and Trump's campaign.
While in office, the director caused a backlash from liberal politicians when he stated just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was examining presidential nominee the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against Clinton were never brought, resulting in negative feedback from Republicans as well.
Ongoing Accusations
The federal government allege James Comey gave untrue statements to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being questioned about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They say he deceived the Senate by saying he had not permitted a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to journalistic entities data about the FBI investigations.
Legal representatives also allege James Comey of "improperly attempting to affect, obstruct and impede" the committee by providing untrue information to it.
Individual Responses
Via social media the former director shared to his Instagram after he was charged, he said he was not guilty and charged Donald Trump of behaving like a "tyrant".
"Our household have known for considerable time that there are consequences to challenging Mr Trump," he stated. "We choose not to live on our kneeling."
"I am not guilty," he continued. "Thus initiate a court case."
The charges against Mr Comey emerged after Trump posted on digital channels calling for his top legal official, Ms Bondi, prosecute the former director and other people.
Connected Matters
- Former FBI head James Comey accused on two charges
- Which charges is previous chief James Comey confront?