Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation Chief James Comey Submits Denial Plea to Allegations of Misleading Congress
Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey has denied the charges to providing misleading information to congressional representatives and obstructing a lawmaking procedure.
Mr Comey's legal representative filed the answer acting as his counsel in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.
Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would attempt to have the legal matter dismissed for multiple causes including that his defendant, a detractor of former President Trump, was being targeted.
James Comey was indicted just days after Donald Trump pushed his chief prosecutor to proceed against him.
Legal Proceedings
During the hearing on mid-week, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald informed the magistrate they planned to present multiple legal requests to throw out the proceedings before a court case, stating the prosecution was spiteful and that a US attorney was improperly designated to handle the legal matter.
James Comey's case was initially managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who stepped down under pressure from Trump after his probe into another rival - the New York official - did not succeed to file indictments.
Legal Setting
James Comey came across in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the legal venue on mid-week, speaking with his legal team and making jokes. He was supported by his wife, his wife and offspring Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the previous administration recently fired.
After listening to the court recite his rights and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, the defendant was questioned if he understood the allegations.
"Absolutely your honour. Appreciate it," he stated to the court.
Previous Events
James Comey was the head of the FBI from four years and was dismissed about four months into the former president's first term as national leader. At the time, he was overseeing an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and the election effort.
During his tenure, James Comey sparked a counter-response from liberal politicians when he announced just days before the 2016 election that he was investigating presidential nominee Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Charges against the candidate were not filed, resulting in criticism from Republicans as well.
Current Allegations
Prosecutors claim James Comey gave untrue statements to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being examined about both the previous examination as well as the election interference investigation. They allege he misled the upper house by saying he had not permitted a person at the FBI to release to media organizations details about the government examinations.
Legal representatives also allege James Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to sway, block and delay" the legislative group by making false statements to it.
Personal Comments
Via social media the former director published to his online platform after he was accused, he said he was innocent and accused Trump of acting like a "tyrant".
"My family and I have known for considerable time that there are consequences to standing up to Donald Trump," he said. "We choose not to live on our bended knee."
"I'm innocent," he added. "Thus initiate a court case."
The charges against Mr Comey emerged after Trump shared on social media demanding his chief prosecutor, Ms Bondi, prosecute James Comey and others.
Related Developments
- Previous FBI chief James Comey charged on two charges
- What accusations does ex-FBI director James Comey face?