Former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey Files Denial Plea to Allegations of Falsehoods Congress
Former Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the ex-FBI chief has denied the charges to giving untrue testimony to lawmakers and obstructing a congressional proceeding.
His legal representative filed the plea representing him in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.
The defense lawyer announced he would seek to have the proceedings thrown out for various causes including that his defendant, a opponent of former President Trump, was being singled out.
James Comey was charged shortly after Trump pressured his chief prosecutor to take action against him.
Court Developments
In court on Wednesday, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald told the judge they planned to file various motions to terminate the legal matter before a trial, stating the government's case was spiteful and that a federal prosecutor was improperly assigned to handle the case.
The former director's legal matter was initially overseen by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under pressure from Donald Trump after his examination into a different political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to file indictments.
Judicial Environment
The former director seemed in positive mood as he walked into the courtroom on Wednesday, chatting with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was supported by his partner, his wife and child Maureen, a US lawyer who the previous administration terminated.
After listening to the judge recite his rights and the pair of allegations against him in the courtroom on mid-week, Mr Comey was asked if he understood the charges.
"I do your honour. Thank you," he informed the proceedings.
Background Context
Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from four years and was terminated about several months into the former president's first term as commander-in-chief. At the moment, Mr Comey was directing an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and the presidential campaign.
Throughout his leadership, Mr Comey caused a backlash from liberal politicians when he stated just shortly prior to the national vote that he was examining Democratic candidate Clinton's use of a personal email system. Legal actions against the candidate were not filed, leading to disapproval from Republicans as well.
Current Allegations
The federal government claim Mr Comey gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being examined about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They claim he provided false information to the upper house by stating he had not permitted someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to news outlets details about the government examinations.
Prosecutors also charge the defendant of "wrongfully trying to sway, block and impede" the legislative group by making false statements to it.
Public Statements
Via social media the former director shared to his online platform after he was charged, he declared he was wrongly accused and accused the former president of conducting himself like a "tyrant".
"Our household have understood for a long time that there are ramifications to challenging Donald Trump," he said. "We will not live on our bended knee."
"I am not guilty," he continued. "So let's have a court case."
These allegations against the former director came after Donald Trump posted on digital channels demanding his top legal official, Ms Bondi, take legal action against the former director and other people.
Related Developments
- Former FBI director James Comey charged on two charges
- The nature of accusations is previous chief James Comey face?