Ex- FBI Chief James Comey Files Denial Plea to Accusations of Misleading US Legislators
Former Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey has entered an innocent plea to giving untrue testimony to lawmakers and hindering a legislative process.
His legal representative submitted the plea acting as his counsel in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.
The defense lawyer declared he would try to have the legal matter dismissed for multiple reasons including that his the accused, a opponent of former President Trump, was being targeted.
The former director was formally accused soon after Trump pressured his attorney general to take action against him.
Legal Proceedings
At the proceedings on mid-week, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald told the judge they intended to file multiple petitions to throw out the legal matter before a trial, claiming the prosecution was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was improperly assigned to take over the proceedings.
Mr Comey's case was initially handled by the original attorney, who left his position under influence from Trump after his examination into a different rival - New York Attorney General Letitia James - failed to file indictments.
Judicial Environment
James Comey came across in optimistic frame of mind as he walked into the legal venue on Wednesday, conversing with his lawyers and making jokes. He was supported by his spouse, Patrice Failor and child Maureen, a government attorney who the Trump administration dismissed.
Upon hearing to the magistrate read his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, the defendant was questioned if he comprehended the charges.
"I do your honour. Appreciate it," he informed the proceedings.
Previous Events
The former director was the head of the FBI from four years and was terminated about four months into the former president's initial presidency as president. At the time, he was overseeing an examination into international campaign influence and whether there were any relationships between Russia and Trump's campaign.
Throughout his leadership, James Comey sparked a negative reaction from liberal politicians when he declared just immediately preceding the 2016 election that he was probing presidential nominee Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against the candidate were never brought, causing criticism from Republicans as well.
Ongoing Accusations
The federal government allege Mr Comey lied to Congress during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the email probe as well as the election interference investigation. They say he misled the Senate by claiming he had not permitted an individual at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to release to news outlets information about the government examinations.
Prosecutors also accuse the defendant of "corruptly endeavoring to sway, hinder and delay" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.
Individual Responses
Via social media Mr Comey posted to his social media after he was accused, he said he was wrongly accused and accused Trump of behaving like a "dictator".
"We have known for years that there are ramifications to standing up to the former president," he commented. "We choose not to live on our knees."
"I have done nothing wrong," he continued. "Therefore proceed with a legal proceeding."
The charges against the former director came after Donald Trump published on digital channels demanding his attorney general, the attorney general, charge James Comey and other people.
Connected Matters
- Ex- FBI director James Comey charged on two charges
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