Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation Head James Comey Submits Not Guilty Plea to Charges of Misleading Congress
Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James Comey has entered an innocent plea to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and hindering a congressional proceeding.
Mr Comey's attorney submitted the response on his behalf in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.
Patrick Fitzgerald stated he would attempt to have the legal matter terminated for various factors including that his defendant, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.
James Comey was indicted just days after Trump pushed his top legal official to take action against him.
Legal Proceedings
In court on mid-week, the defense counsel the legal representative advised the court they planned to file several motions to terminate the proceedings before a court case, stating the prosecution was spiteful and that a US attorney was unlawfully designated to assume control of the proceedings.
The former director's proceedings was originally overseen by a Virginia prosecutor, who stepped down under scrutiny from Donald Trump after his examination into a different political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to bring criminal charges.
Legal Setting
Mr Comey seemed in positive mood as he walked into the legal venue on mid-week, conversing with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was accompanied by his wife, his wife and child Maureen, a government attorney who the previous administration terminated.
Upon hearing to the court recite his legal protections and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, the defendant was questioned if he comprehended the allegations.
"Absolutely your honour. Thank you very much," he informed the judge.
Previous Events
James Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was terminated about four months into the former president's first administration as president. At the moment, he was overseeing an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between Russia and the election effort.
During his tenure, the director sparked a negative reaction from liberal politicians when he stated just days before the national vote that he was examining presidential nominee Clinton's use of a private email server. Legal actions against Clinton were never brought, resulting in criticism from the Republican party as well.
Ongoing Accusations
The federal government assert the former director gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They allege he deceived the legislative body by claiming he had not approved a person at the FBI to leak to journalistic entities details about the government examinations.
Government lawyers also charge Mr Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to affect, hinder and slow" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.
Personal Comments
Via social media James Comey posted to his social media after he was indicted, he said he was wrongly accused and charged Donald Trump of conducting himself like a "dictator".
"My family and I have understood for a long time that there are consequences to challenging Donald Trump," he commented. "We choose not to live on our kneeling."
"I am not guilty," he added. "So let's have a court case."
The charges against James Comey surfaced after the former president published on digital channels insisting on his top legal official, Pam Bondi, charge Mr Comey and others.
Connected Matters
- Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James Comey indicted on two charges
- The nature of accusations is previous chief James Comey confront?