Ex- FBI Head James Comey Files Denial Plea to Accusations of Falsehoods US Legislators
Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the former director has entered an innocent plea to providing misleading information to congressional representatives and obstructing a lawmaking procedure.
The former director's attorney entered the plea on his behalf in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.
The defense lawyer announced he would attempt to have the legal matter thrown out for various reasons including that his defendant, a opponent of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.
Mr Comey was charged just days after the former president pushed his attorney general to proceed against him.
Judicial Process
During the hearing on Wednesday, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald informed the court they intended to present several legal requests to terminate the proceedings before a court case, stating the government's case was spiteful and that a US attorney was wrongfully assigned to handle the case.
The former director's case was originally overseen by a Virginia prosecutor, who resigned under pressure from Donald Trump after his examination into a different opponent - the New York official - was unable to initiate prosecution.
Legal Setting
Mr Comey came across in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the court on mid-week, chatting with his attorneys and making jokes. He was joined by his wife, Patrice Failor and offspring Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the former government terminated.
Following the reading to the magistrate recite his rights and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on mid-week, the defendant was questioned if he comprehended the accusations.
"Yes your honour. Thank you very much," he stated to the court.
Historical Information
Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about four months into Donald Trump's first term as national leader. At the moment, Mr Comey was leading an probe into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between Moscow and the presidential campaign.
During his tenure, the director caused a negative reaction from the Democratic party when he stated just days before the 2016 presidential election that he was probing presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Indictments against Hillary Clinton were never brought, leading to negative feedback from Republicans as well.
Ongoing Accusations
Government attorneys assert the former director gave untrue statements to Congress during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the previous examination as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he deceived the upper house by stating he had not authorized a person at the agency to release to media organizations information about the government examinations.
Legal representatives also charge James Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, obstruct and delay" the legislative group by providing untrue information to it.
Personal Comments
Through a recording Mr Comey shared to his online platform after he was indicted, he declared he was wrongly accused and charged the former president of acting like a "tyrant".
"Our household have known for years that there are ramifications to opposing Donald Trump," he stated. "We will not live on our kneeling."
"I have done nothing wrong," he continued. "So let's have a court case."
These allegations against the former director emerged after Donald Trump posted on social media demanding his top legal official, Ms Bondi, take legal action against James Comey and other people.
Associated Events
- Ex- FBI director James Comey indicted on pair of allegations
- What accusations is former director James Comey face?