Former FBI Chief James Comey Submits Not Guilty Plea to Accusations of Falsehoods US Legislators

James Comey court appearance
He has maintained his clean record concerning the allegations

Ex- FBI head James the ex-FBI chief has denied the charges to making false statements to lawmakers and hindering a lawmaking procedure.

His attorney filed the answer representing him in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.

The defense lawyer stated he would attempt to have the case thrown out for several causes including that his the accused, a detractor of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

Mr Comey was charged just days after the former president pressured his top legal official to move forward against him.

Legal Proceedings

At the proceedings on mid-week, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald advised the court they aimed to present several legal requests to terminate the legal matter before a trial, stating the legal action was vindictive and that a US attorney was wrongfully designated to assume control of the proceedings.

James Comey's proceedings was originally managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under scrutiny from Trump after his probe into another rival - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to file indictments.

Legal Setting

The former director appeared in positive mood as he entered the courtroom on Wednesday, speaking with his legal team and sharing humor. He was supported by his wife, his wife and daughter Maureen, a government attorney who the previous administration recently fired.

Upon hearing to the judge recite his rights and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, Mr Comey was inquired if he understood the accusations.

"Yes your honour. Thank you very much," he stated to the court.

Background Context

Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013-2017 and was fired about a few months into Trump's first term as president. At the moment, the director was overseeing an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any connections between Russia and the presidential campaign.

During his tenure, the director sparked a counter-response from the Democratic party when he declared just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was investigating presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Legal actions against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, leading to criticism from Republicans as well.

Current Allegations

Prosecutors assert James Comey lied to the legislature during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They say he deceived the upper house by claiming he had not approved someone at the agency to release to media organizations details about the agency probes.

Prosecutors also allege Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to sway, obstruct and impede" the committee by providing untrue information to it.

Personal Comments

Through a recording Mr Comey published to his social media after he was indicted, he declared he was innocent and accused Trump of conducting himself like a "tyrant".

"We have understood for years that there are ramifications to opposing Donald Trump," he said. "We refuse to live on our kneeling."
"I am not guilty," he stated further. "So let's have a legal proceeding."

These allegations against James Comey emerged after Donald Trump posted on social media calling for his top legal official, Pam Bondi, take legal action against Mr Comey and others.

Related Developments

  • Ex- FBI director James Comey charged on two charges
  • What allegations does ex-FBI director James Comey face?
Tony Curtis
Tony Curtis

A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about innovation and self-improvement, sharing experiences and knowledge.