Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey Submits Not Guilty Plea to Accusations of Falsehoods Lawmakers

James Comey court appearance
He has asserted his non-guilt concerning the allegations

Previous FBI chief James the former director has denied the charges to making false statements to lawmakers and obstructing a legislative process.

Mr Comey's lawyer entered the plea on his behalf in a US district court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.

The defense lawyer announced he would attempt to have the legal matter dismissed for multiple factors including that his the accused, a critic of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was charged shortly after Trump pressured his chief prosecutor to take action against him.

Judicial Process

During the hearing on mid-week, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald advised the magistrate they planned to submit multiple legal requests to dismiss the legal matter before a trial, stating the government's case was spiteful and that a US attorney was improperly designated to assume control of the legal matter.

Mr Comey's proceedings was first handled by Erik Siebert, who left his position under scrutiny from the former president after his probe into another rival - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to initiate prosecution.

Judicial Environment

Mr Comey came across in positive mood as he entered the court on Wednesday, conversing with his attorneys and being lighthearted. He was accompanied by his wife, Patrice Failor and offspring Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the Trump administration terminated.

Upon hearing to the judge recite his legal protections and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, Mr Comey was questioned if he comprehended the accusations.

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

Previous Events

The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013-2017 and was fired about a few months into Trump's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the moment, Mr Comey was directing an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and the election effort.

During his tenure, the director caused a negative reaction from Democrats when he stated just immediately preceding the 2016 election that he was examining political contender Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Legal actions against Clinton were never brought, resulting in negative feedback from Republicans as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Prosecutors claim Mr Comey gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being examined about both the Clinton investigation as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he misled the Senate by claiming he had not permitted someone at the agency to disclose to journalistic entities data about the FBI investigations.

Legal representatives also allege the defendant of "wrongfully trying to affect, hinder and impede" the committee by making false statements to it.

Individual Responses

Via social media Mr Comey posted to his online platform after he was accused, he said he was innocent and alleged Trump of behaving like a "dictator".

"We have known for years that there are consequences to opposing Donald Trump," he said. "We refuse to live on our bended knee."
"I have done nothing wrong," he continued. "So let's have a court case."

The accusations against Mr Comey surfaced after the former president published on social media demanding his top legal official, the attorney general, prosecute James Comey and others.

Connected Matters

  • Ex- FBI chief James Comey indicted on dual counts
  • Which accusations does previous chief James Comey encounter?
Stacy Hoffman
Stacy Hoffman

A passionate writer and tech enthusiast sharing insights on innovation and self-improvement.