Former Federal Bureau of Investigation Head James Comey Files Not Guilty Plea to Charges of Misleading US Legislators
Previous FBI chief James Comey has entered an innocent plea to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and impeding a congressional proceeding.
The former director's lawyer filed the response acting as his counsel in a federal court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.
His attorney declared he would seek to have the legal matter thrown out for multiple causes including that his defendant, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being singled out.
Mr Comey was indicted soon after Trump pushed his attorney general to proceed against him.
Judicial Process
During the hearing on Wednesday, the defense counsel the legal representative told the judge they aimed to submit various legal requests to dismiss the proceedings before a trial, arguing the prosecution was retaliatory and that a US attorney was wrongfully designated to assume control of the case.
Mr Comey's case was originally managed by the original attorney, who resigned under influence from the former president after his probe into a different political adversary - the New York official - was unable to bring criminal charges.
Courtroom Atmosphere
Mr Comey seemed in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the court on Wednesday, conversing with his attorneys and being lighthearted. He was joined by his partner, Patrice Failor and child his daughter, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration dismissed.
Following the reading to the court state his constitutional guarantees and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on mid-week, James Comey was questioned if he comprehended the accusations.
"Absolutely your honour. Appreciate it," he stated to the judge.
Historical Information
Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was terminated about a few months into Donald Trump's first term as commander-in-chief. At the time, he was overseeing an probe into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between the Russian government and Trump's campaign.
While in office, the director triggered a backlash from liberal politicians when he announced just days before the national vote that he was examining presidential nominee Clinton's use of a personal email system. Indictments against the candidate were not filed, resulting in disapproval from Republicans as well.
Present Charges
The federal government allege Mr Comey lied to Congress during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the email probe as well as the election interference investigation. They allege he misled the Senate by claiming he had not permitted a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to release to journalistic entities information about the agency probes.
Prosecutors also charge James Comey of "improperly attempting to affect, hinder and slow" the committee by providing untrue information to it.
Personal Comments
Through a recording James Comey published to his Instagram after he was charged, he declared he was wrongly accused and accused Trump of behaving like a "autocrat".
"Our household have known for years that there are costs to standing up to the former president," he commented. "We choose not to live on our knees."
"I'm innocent," he continued. "So let's have a trial."
The accusations against Mr Comey came after Trump shared on digital channels insisting on his top legal official, Ms Bondi, charge Mr Comey and additional individuals.
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