Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation Head James Comey Enters Not Guilty Plea to Charges of Misleading US Legislators
Former Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to US legislators and hindering a legislative process.
Mr Comey's lawyer filed the plea representing him in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.
The defense lawyer declared he would seek to have the proceedings thrown out for multiple reasons including that his the accused, a opponent of former President Trump, was being targeted.
Mr Comey was indicted just days after Donald Trump urged his top legal official to move forward against him.
Court Developments
In court on mid-week, the defense counsel the legal representative informed the judge they planned to file multiple legal requests to terminate the proceedings before a legal hearing, stating the prosecution was spiteful and that a US attorney was wrongfully appointed to take over the proceedings.
Mr Comey's proceedings was first overseen by the original attorney, who stepped down under pressure from Trump after his probe into another opponent - NY AG Letitia James - failed to initiate prosecution.
Courtroom Atmosphere
Mr Comey came across in positive mood as he entered the court on Wednesday, speaking with his legal team and sharing humor. He was supported by his partner, his wife and daughter his daughter, a federal prosecutor who the Trump administration dismissed.
Following the reading to the court read his constitutional guarantees and the dual charges against him in court on mid-week, James Comey was inquired if he grasped the accusations.
"I do your honour. Thank you," he told the judge.
Historical Information
James Comey was the FBI Director from 2013 to 2017 and was terminated about several months into the former president's first administration as national leader. At the moment, Mr Comey was leading an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any relationships between the Russian government and the election effort.
Throughout his leadership, James Comey caused a negative reaction from Democrats when he declared just shortly prior to the 2016 presidential election that he was examining political contender Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Indictments against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, leading to negative feedback from conservative politicians as well.
Ongoing Accusations
The federal government allege Mr Comey lied to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They say he provided false information to the Senate by saying he had not permitted an individual at the agency to leak to news outlets data about the government examinations.
Government lawyers also allege the defendant of "improperly attempting to sway, block and slow" the panel by providing untrue information to it.
Personal Comments
Through a recording James Comey posted to his online platform after he was indicted, he stated he was not guilty and charged Donald Trump of conducting himself like a "dictator".
"My family and I have been aware for a long time that there are ramifications to standing up to the former president," he commented. "We refuse to live on our knees."
"I am not guilty," he stated further. "Thus initiate a trial."
The accusations against James Comey emerged after the former president shared on social media insisting on his chief prosecutor, the attorney general, take legal action against James Comey and additional individuals.
Related Developments
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- The nature of accusations are ex-FBI director James Comey encounter?