Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation Head James Comey Enters Not Guilty Plea to Charges of Lying US Legislators
Ex- FBI chief James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and hindering a congressional proceeding.
His legal representative entered the response acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.
His attorney stated he would attempt to have the proceedings dismissed for several factors including that his defendant, a detractor of former President Trump, was being targeted.
Mr Comey was formally accused just days after Trump pressured his attorney general to take action against him.
Court Developments
At the proceedings on Wednesday, his attorney the legal representative told the court they aimed to present multiple motions to dismiss the proceedings before a legal hearing, claiming the prosecution was retaliatory and that a federal prosecutor was wrongfully appointed to handle the case.
The former director's legal matter was initially managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who stepped down under pressure from Trump after his probe into an additional opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - was unable to file indictments.
Courtroom Atmosphere
The former director appeared in positive mood as he entered the court on Wednesday, chatting with his attorneys and making jokes. He was supported by his wife, Mrs Failor and offspring Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration terminated.
Following the reading to the court recite his rights and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on mid-week, James Comey was asked if he comprehended the accusations.
"Absolutely your honour. Thank you very much," he told the judge.
Historical Information
Mr Comey was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was dismissed about four months into Donald Trump's initial presidency as president. At the time, Mr Comey was leading an investigation into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between Russia and Trump's campaign.
During his tenure, James Comey sparked a counter-response from liberal politicians when he declared just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was probing political contender Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Charges against the candidate were never brought, leading to negative feedback from the Republican party as well.
Current Allegations
Prosecutors claim James Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the previous examination as well as the election interference investigation. They say he deceived the upper house by saying he had not approved someone at the FBI to release to journalistic entities details about the FBI investigations.
Legal representatives also allege Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to influence, obstruct and impede" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.
Individual Responses
In a video Mr Comey published to his online platform after he was charged, he said he was wrongly accused and charged Donald Trump of conducting himself like a "tyrant".
"Our household have known for considerable time that there are ramifications to challenging Donald Trump," he said. "We refuse to live on our kneeling."
"I am not guilty," he added. "So let's have a court case."
These allegations against Mr Comey emerged after Donald Trump posted on online platforms demanding his top legal official, Ms Bondi, charge James Comey and additional individuals.
Associated Events
- Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James Comey accused on pair of allegations
- Which charges is ex-FBI director James Comey encounter?