Former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey Submits Innocent Plea to Charges of Falsehoods Congress
Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the former director has entered an innocent plea to making false statements to lawmakers and hindering a lawmaking procedure.
Mr Comey's legal representative submitted the plea acting as his counsel in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.
Patrick Fitzgerald stated he would seek to have the case dismissed for several factors including that his defendant, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.
Mr Comey was formally accused shortly after Donald Trump pushed his top legal official to move forward against him.
Legal Proceedings
In court on mid-week, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald told the judge they intended to submit various motions to dismiss the case before a court case, stating the government's case was spiteful and that a federal prosecutor was unlawfully designated to handle the legal matter.
The former director's legal matter was first handled by a Virginia prosecutor, who resigned under scrutiny from Trump after his investigation into a different opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - was unable to bring criminal charges.
Courtroom Atmosphere
Mr Comey seemed in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the courtroom on mid-week, chatting with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was supported by his wife, Patrice Failor and child Maureen, a US lawyer who the previous administration terminated.
After listening to the magistrate state his rights and the pair of allegations against him in court on mid-week, James Comey was questioned if he comprehended the allegations.
"Yes your honour. Thank you very much," he stated to the proceedings.
Previous Events
James Comey was the FBI Director from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about four months into Trump's first term as national leader. At the moment, he was directing an investigation into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between the Russian government and the election effort.
While in office, Mr Comey sparked a counter-response from Democrats when he stated just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was examining Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Indictments against Clinton were not pursued, leading to criticism from the Republican party as well.
Current Allegations
Prosecutors claim Mr Comey gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a congressional hearing in 2020 when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the election interference investigation. They say he misled the upper house by stating he had not approved an individual at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to release to news outlets details about the agency probes.
Prosecutors also accuse the defendant of "improperly attempting to influence, obstruct and impede" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.
Individual Responses
Through a recording Mr Comey shared to his Instagram after he was indicted, he declared he was innocent and accused the former president of conducting himself like a "autocrat".
"Our household have known for years that there are costs to opposing the former president," he said. "We choose not to live on our knees."
"I'm innocent," he stated further. "Therefore proceed with a trial."
The accusations against James Comey emerged after Trump shared on online platforms demanding his top legal official, Ms Bondi, prosecute James Comey and other people.
Related Developments
- Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey indicted on two charges
- The nature of charges does former director James Comey confront?