Former FBI Head James Comey Submits Innocent Plea to Allegations of Misleading Lawmakers
Former Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James Comey has denied the charges to making false statements to congressional representatives and impeding a congressional proceeding.
The former director's attorney filed the answer acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.
Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would seek to have the legal matter thrown out for various reasons including that his client, a critic of President Donald Trump, was being targeted.
James Comey was formally accused soon after Donald Trump pressured his chief prosecutor to move forward against him.
Court Developments
During the hearing on mid-week, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald told the judge they aimed to present multiple petitions to dismiss the proceedings before a court case, stating the prosecution was retaliatory and that a government lawyer was improperly assigned to take over the proceedings.
The former director's case was originally overseen by the original attorney, who stepped down under scrutiny from the former president after his probe into another political adversary - the New York official - was unable to bring criminal charges.
Legal Setting
James Comey appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the legal venue on mid-week, conversing with his legal team and sharing humor. He was joined by his wife, Mrs Failor and offspring Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the previous administration dismissed.
Following the reading to the court recite his rights and the dual charges against him in court on mid-week, Mr Comey was asked if he understood the charges.
"Yes your honour. Thank you very much," he told the judge.
Previous Events
Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from four years and was fired about a few months into the former president's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the time, he was overseeing an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between the Russian government and the presidential campaign.
While in office, James Comey caused a negative reaction from the Democratic party when he stated just shortly prior to the national vote that he was examining Democratic candidate the candidate's use of a private email server. Charges against the candidate were not pursued, causing criticism from conservative politicians as well.
Ongoing Accusations
Government attorneys assert Mr Comey provided false information to Congress during a legislative proceeding in 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the Clinton investigation as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he provided false information to the upper house by stating he had not authorized someone at the agency to release to journalistic entities details about the government examinations.
Legal representatives also accuse James Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to affect, obstruct and slow" the committee by making false statements to it.
Personal Comments
Through a recording James Comey posted to his social media after he was indicted, he stated he was innocent and accused Donald Trump of acting like a "tyrant".
"We have been aware for years that there are consequences to opposing the former president," he said. "We choose not to live on our kneeling."
"I have done nothing wrong," he stated further. "Therefore proceed with a legal proceeding."
These allegations against the former director surfaced after Trump shared on digital channels calling for his chief prosecutor, the attorney general, prosecute Mr Comey and other people.
Related Developments
- Former Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James Comey accused on two charges
- What accusations are former director James Comey face?