Former FBI Director James Comey Submits Denial Plea to Accusations of Falsehoods US Legislators
Ex- FBI chief James Comey has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to congressional representatives and obstructing a congressional proceeding.
The former director's lawyer submitted the response acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.
The defense lawyer stated he would try to have the case thrown out for various causes including that his client, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being singled out.
Mr Comey was formally accused just days after the former president pushed his chief prosecutor to take action against him.
Legal Proceedings
During the hearing on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald advised the magistrate they aimed to present multiple petitions to terminate the legal matter before a legal hearing, arguing the legal action was retaliatory and that a US attorney was unlawfully appointed to assume control of the case.
The former director's legal matter was first handled by the original attorney, who stepped down under influence from Donald Trump after his examination into a different opponent - NY AG Letitia James - failed to file indictments.
Legal Setting
Mr Comey seemed in optimistic frame of mind as he walked into the court on mid-week, conversing with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was supported by his spouse, his wife and child his daughter, a government attorney who the Trump administration terminated.
After listening to the judge read his constitutional guarantees and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on mid-week, James Comey was questioned if he understood the charges.
"Yes your honour. Thank you," he told the court.
Previous Events
The former director was the FBI Director from four years and was terminated about a few months into Donald Trump's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the period, the director was directing an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and the election effort.
Throughout his leadership, Mr Comey caused a counter-response from the Democratic party when he declared just days before the national vote that he was investigating political contender Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Indictments against Clinton were not pursued, resulting in negative feedback from conservative politicians as well.
Present Charges
Government attorneys allege James Comey lied to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the previous examination as well as the Russia election probe. They allege he provided false information to the Senate by claiming he had not approved someone at the FBI to disclose to media organizations data about the agency probes.
Government lawyers also charge James Comey of "wrongfully trying to sway, hinder and impede" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.
Public Statements
Via social media the former director published to his social media after he was indicted, he said he was wrongly accused and charged Trump of acting like a "autocrat".
"My family and I have been aware for a long time that there are consequences to challenging the former president," he stated. "We refuse to live on our knees."
"I am not guilty," he continued. "So let's have a court case."
The accusations against Mr Comey came after Donald Trump published on digital channels calling for his top legal official, the attorney general, prosecute the former director and other people.
Connected Matters
- Former FBI director James Comey charged on pair of allegations
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