Ex- FBI Head James Comey Submits Not Guilty Plea to Charges of Misleading US Legislators

James Comey court appearance
He has stated his clean record regarding the charges

Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the ex-FBI chief has entered an innocent plea to providing misleading information to lawmakers and obstructing a lawmaking procedure.

The former director's attorney entered the response acting as his counsel in a federal court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.

The defense lawyer announced he would try to have the legal matter dismissed for multiple reasons including that his client, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being targeted.

The former director was indicted just days after the former president pressured his top legal official to move forward against him.

Court Developments

In court on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald told the judge they planned to present various legal requests to throw out the case before a court case, arguing the government's case was retaliatory and that a government lawyer was improperly designated to take over the proceedings.

James Comey's legal matter was first managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who resigned under scrutiny from the former president after his examination into another opponent - the New York official - was unable to initiate prosecution.

Courtroom Atmosphere

Mr Comey seemed in optimistic frame of mind as he walked into the legal venue on Wednesday, speaking with his legal team and sharing humor. He was accompanied by his spouse, his wife and child his daughter, a federal prosecutor who the Trump administration dismissed.

Upon hearing to the judge read his rights and the two counts against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, Mr Comey was questioned if he grasped the accusations.

"Absolutely your honour. Thank you very much," he told the judge.

Previous Events

The former director was the FBI Director from 2013 to 2017 and was fired about a few months into the former president's initial presidency as commander-in-chief. At the moment, he was overseeing an probe into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between Russia and the election effort.

During his tenure, the director caused a backlash from liberal politicians when he stated just immediately preceding the national vote that he was probing political contender the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against the candidate were not filed, causing criticism from conservative politicians as well.

Present Charges

Prosecutors claim James Comey gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the Clinton investigation as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They allege he misled the upper house by stating he had not authorized someone at the agency to release to media organizations data about the agency probes.

Prosecutors also allege James Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to sway, block and slow" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.

Individual Responses

In a video the former director posted to his Instagram after he was accused, he said he was wrongly accused and accused Trump of acting like a "dictator".

"Our household have understood for a long time that there are costs to challenging Donald Trump," he said. "We choose not to live on our kneeling."
"I have done nothing wrong," he continued. "Thus initiate a trial."

The charges against James Comey surfaced after Trump shared on social media demanding his chief prosecutor, Ms Bondi, take legal action against the former director and other people.

Connected Matters

  • Former Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey charged on two charges
  • Which charges does previous chief James Comey confront?
Suzanne Obrien
Suzanne Obrien

A passionate music journalist and critic with a deep love for Canadian artists and indie music culture.