Previous FBI Director James Comey Submits Denial Plea to Allegations of Misleading US Legislators
Previous FBI head James Comey has denied the charges to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and obstructing a lawmaking procedure.
Mr Comey's legal representative submitted the response acting as his counsel in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.
The defense lawyer announced he would attempt to have the case terminated for several reasons including that his defendant, a opponent of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.
James Comey was formally accused soon after the former president urged his chief prosecutor to move forward against him.
Legal Proceedings
During the hearing on Wednesday, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald informed the magistrate they intended to present multiple motions to throw out the case before a trial, arguing the prosecution was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was improperly designated to assume control of the proceedings.
James Comey's case was first handled by a Virginia prosecutor, who stepped down under pressure from Trump after his examination into another opponent - the New York official - was unable to initiate prosecution.
Courtroom Atmosphere
Mr Comey seemed in positive mood as he walked into the legal venue on mid-week, chatting with his attorneys and being lighthearted. He was accompanied by his partner, Patrice Failor and offspring Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the former government dismissed.
After listening to the judge read his rights and the two counts against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, the defendant was inquired if he understood the charges.
"I do your honour. Thank you," he stated to the proceedings.
Background Context
Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013-2017 and was dismissed about four months into the former president's first term as national leader. At the moment, he was overseeing an probe into Russian election interference and whether there were any relationships between the Russian government and Trump's campaign.
During his tenure, James Comey triggered a counter-response from Democrats when he stated just days before the national vote that he was examining political contender the candidate's use of a personal email system. Legal actions against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, leading to negative feedback from conservative politicians as well.
Current Allegations
Prosecutors assert James Comey gave untrue statements to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee 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 legislative body by stating he had not permitted a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to journalistic entities data about the government examinations.
Government lawyers also charge the defendant of "wrongfully trying to influence, hinder and slow" the committee by making false statements to it.
Public Statements
Through a recording James Comey shared to his Instagram after he was indicted, he declared he was innocent and charged the former president of conducting himself like a "dictator".
"We have understood for considerable time that there are consequences to challenging the former president," he commented. "We will not live on our kneeling."
"I am not guilty," he added. "Therefore proceed with a trial."
The accusations against Mr Comey came after Trump published on digital channels demanding his attorney general, Ms Bondi, charge the former director and others.
Associated Events
- Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey indicted on dual counts
- What accusations are former director James Comey face?