Ex- FBI Chief James Comey Files Denial Plea to Accusations of Falsehoods Lawmakers
Former FBI chief James Comey has denied the charges to giving untrue testimony to lawmakers and hindering a lawmaking procedure.
His lawyer submitted the answer on his behalf in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.
The defense lawyer stated he would seek to have the legal matter dismissed for several factors including that his client, a critic of former President Trump, was being singled out.
James Comey was formally accused soon after Donald Trump pressured his attorney general to proceed against him.
Legal Proceedings
In court on mid-week, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald informed the court they planned to file multiple legal requests to terminate the proceedings before a legal hearing, stating the prosecution was spiteful and that a federal prosecutor was unlawfully appointed to assume control of the proceedings.
James Comey's legal matter was first handled by the original attorney, who left his position under pressure from Trump after his examination into an additional political adversary - the New York official - failed to file indictments.
Legal Setting
Mr Comey came across in good spirits as he came into the legal venue on Wednesday, speaking with his legal team and being lighthearted. He was supported by his spouse, Mrs Failor and child his daughter, a federal prosecutor who the former government dismissed.
Following the reading to the court recite his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in the courtroom on mid-week, James Comey was inquired if he understood the allegations.
"Yes your honour. Thank you very much," he informed the court.
Previous Events
James Comey was the head of the FBI from four years and was fired about several months into the former president's initial presidency as president. At the period, the director was overseeing an probe into international campaign influence and whether there were any links between Russia and Trump's campaign.
During his tenure, James Comey sparked a backlash from Democrats when he declared just shortly prior to the national vote that he was probing presidential nominee Clinton's use of a personal email system. Indictments against the candidate were never brought, causing disapproval from conservative politicians as well.
Present Charges
The federal government claim James Comey provided false information to Congress during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being examined about both the Clinton investigation as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he misled the legislative body by claiming he had not authorized someone at the FBI to leak to media organizations data about the FBI investigations.
Prosecutors also accuse Mr Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to sway, hinder and delay" the committee by making false statements to it.
Public Statements
In a video Mr Comey published to his Instagram after he was indicted, he said he was innocent and alleged the former president of behaving like a "autocrat".
"Our household have known for years that there are consequences to challenging the former president," he said. "We will not live on our kneeling."
"I'm innocent," he added. "Thus initiate a court case."
The charges against the former director emerged after the former president posted on digital channels demanding his chief prosecutor, Ms Bondi, prosecute James Comey and others.
Related Developments
- Former FBI chief James Comey indicted on dual counts
- What accusations is former director James Comey face?