Ex- FBI Head James Comey Enters Not Guilty Plea to Accusations of Misleading Congress
Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the ex-FBI chief has entered an innocent plea to making false statements to US legislators and hindering a lawmaking procedure.
His legal representative filed the plea on his behalf in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.
The defense lawyer declared he would seek to have the case terminated for several causes including that his client, a critic of President Donald Trump, was being targeted.
Mr Comey was formally accused soon after the former president pushed his chief prosecutor to take action against him.
Judicial Process
In court on Wednesday, the defense counsel the legal representative told the magistrate they planned to present several petitions to terminate the proceedings before a court case, arguing the legal action was spiteful and that a federal prosecutor was improperly assigned to handle the case.
James Comey's proceedings was initially handled by Erik Siebert, who resigned under influence from Donald Trump after his probe into another rival - the New York official - failed to bring criminal charges.
Legal Setting
Mr Comey appeared in positive mood as he walked into the courtroom on mid-week, chatting with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was accompanied by his spouse, Patrice Failor and child his daughter, a US lawyer who the previous administration dismissed.
Upon hearing to the magistrate recite his rights and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, the defendant was inquired if he understood the allegations.
"I do your honour. Thank you very much," he told the court.
Historical Information
The former director was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was terminated about several months into Trump's initial presidency as president. At the period, he was leading an investigation into international campaign influence and whether there were any relationships between the Russian government and the presidential campaign.
While in office, the director sparked a negative reaction from Democrats when he stated just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was probing presidential nominee the candidate's use of a personal email system. Charges against the candidate were not filed, resulting in disapproval from Republicans as well.
Present Charges
Government attorneys assert Mr Comey gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a congressional hearing 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 Senate by saying he had not approved an individual at the agency to release to news outlets information about the government examinations.
Legal representatives also allege James Comey of "wrongfully trying to affect, obstruct and delay" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.
Individual Responses
Via social media Mr Comey posted to his online platform after he was accused, he said he was not guilty and accused Trump of acting like a "dictator".
"My family and I have known for years that there are ramifications to challenging Donald Trump," he stated. "We will not live on our bended knee."
"I'm innocent," he stated further. "So let's have a trial."
These allegations against James Comey emerged after Donald Trump posted on social media calling for his top legal official, Ms Bondi, prosecute Mr Comey and others.
Connected Matters
- Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey accused on pair of allegations
- The nature of charges does previous chief James Comey encounter?