Former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey Files Not Guilty Plea to Accusations of Falsehoods Lawmakers
Ex- FBI head James Comey has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to lawmakers and impeding a legislative process.
Mr Comey's attorney filed the response representing him in a federal court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.
Patrick Fitzgerald stated he would attempt to have the proceedings thrown out for multiple factors including that his the accused, a opponent of Donald Trump, was being singled out.
James Comey was indicted soon after the former president pressured his top legal official to move forward against him.
Court Developments
At the proceedings on mid-week, his attorney the legal representative advised the judge they intended to submit various motions to dismiss the proceedings before a legal hearing, claiming the prosecution was vindictive and that a US attorney was improperly assigned to assume control of the case.
The former director's legal matter was initially managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who stepped down under pressure from Donald Trump after his probe into another political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to file indictments.
Courtroom Atmosphere
James Comey appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he walked into the courtroom on mid-week, speaking with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was supported by his wife, Mrs Failor and offspring Maureen, a government attorney who the former government dismissed.
Following the reading to the court recite his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in court on Wednesday, the defendant was questioned if he comprehended the accusations.
"Yes your honour. Thank you," he stated to the proceedings.
Background Context
The former director was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was terminated about four months into Trump's first term as president. At the moment, the director was leading an investigation into Russian election interference and whether there were any connections between Russia and Trump's campaign.
Throughout his leadership, the director caused a counter-response from Democrats when he stated just immediately preceding the 2016 election that he was probing political contender Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Legal actions against Clinton were not filed, leading to criticism from Republicans as well.
Ongoing Accusations
Government attorneys claim Mr Comey provided false information to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he provided false information to the Senate by saying he had not approved an individual at the FBI to disclose to journalistic entities data about the government examinations.
Government lawyers also allege the defendant of "improperly attempting to sway, block and slow" the committee by providing untrue information to it.
Public Statements
Via social media Mr Comey shared to his online platform after he was accused, he declared he was not guilty and charged Donald Trump of acting like a "autocrat".
"Our household have been aware for a long time that there are consequences to opposing Donald Trump," he said. "We refuse to live on our kneeling."
"I am not guilty," he continued. "So let's have a legal proceeding."
The accusations against Mr Comey came after Trump posted on online platforms calling for his top legal official, Ms Bondi, charge Mr Comey and others.
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