Ex- FBI Chief James Comey Files Not Guilty Plea to Accusations of Misleading Congress

James Comey court appearance
Comey has stated his clean record regarding the indictments

Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the former director has denied the charges to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and hindering a legislative process.

His lawyer filed the answer on his behalf in a US district court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday morning.

His attorney declared he would seek to have the case thrown out for several factors including that his defendant, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was charged soon after Donald Trump urged his attorney general to move forward against him.

Legal Proceedings

At the proceedings on Wednesday, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald informed the judge they planned to submit various legal requests to dismiss the proceedings before a trial, arguing the legal action was spiteful and that a federal prosecutor was unlawfully appointed to take over the legal matter.

Mr Comey's proceedings was initially managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who resigned under influence from Trump after his investigation into an additional political adversary - New York Attorney General Letitia James - did not succeed to bring criminal charges.

Legal Setting

James Comey appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the legal venue on Wednesday, speaking with his legal team and sharing humor. He was accompanied by his partner, his wife and child Maureen, a federal prosecutor who the former government recently fired.

Upon hearing to the court state his rights and the two counts against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, Mr Comey was asked if he understood the charges.

"Yes your honour. Appreciate it," he stated to the judge.

Background Context

The former director was the FBI Director from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about four months into the former president's first term as commander-in-chief. At the moment, Mr Comey was leading an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any relationships between Russia and Trump's campaign.

While in office, Mr Comey triggered a counter-response from liberal politicians when he announced just immediately preceding the 2016 election that he was investigating Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, leading to criticism from Republicans as well.

Current Allegations

The federal government claim Mr Comey provided false information to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being examined about both the Clinton investigation as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he deceived the Senate by saying he had not permitted a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to media organizations information about the FBI investigations.

Legal representatives also charge Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to sway, block and slow" the legislative group by making false statements to it.

Personal Comments

Via social media James Comey posted to his Instagram after he was accused, he stated he was wrongly accused and accused Donald Trump of behaving like a "tyrant".

"We have understood for a long time that there are ramifications to standing up to Mr Trump," he commented. "We refuse to live on our knees."
"I'm innocent," he added. "Therefore proceed with a court case."

The charges against the former director came after the former president posted on online platforms insisting on his top legal official, Ms Bondi, prosecute the former director and others.

Associated Events

  • Previous FBI head James Comey indicted on two charges
  • What allegations is former director James Comey encounter?
Jason Sherman
Jason Sherman

A seasoned network engineer with over a decade of experience in IT infrastructure and cybersecurity.

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