🔗 Share this article

Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the ex-FBI chief has entered an innocent plea to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and impeding a lawmaking procedure.

Mr Comey's legal representative submitted the response on his behalf in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

The defense lawyer stated he would try to have the proceedings dismissed for various factors including that his the accused, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

Mr Comey was formally accused soon after Trump pressured his attorney general to proceed against him.

Court Developments

At the proceedings on mid-week, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald informed the court they planned to submit multiple legal requests to dismiss the proceedings before a legal hearing, claiming the government's case was retaliatory and that a US attorney was unlawfully assigned to assume control of the case.

Mr Comey's proceedings was originally overseen by a Virginia prosecutor, who resigned under pressure from Donald Trump after his examination into another opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - was unable to initiate prosecution.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey came across in positive mood as he walked into the court on mid-week, conversing with his legal team and making jokes. He was supported by his spouse, Patrice Failor and child Maureen, a US lawyer who the former government recently fired.

Following the reading to the judge recite his constitutional guarantees and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, James Comey was asked if he comprehended the allegations.

"Yes your honour. Thank you very much," he informed the proceedings.

Background Context

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

While in office, James Comey sparked a counter-response from liberal politicians when he stated just days before the 2016 election that he was investigating presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Indictments against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, leading to disapproval from conservative politicians as well.

Present Charges

Government attorneys assert James Comey provided false information to the legislature during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the previous examination as well as the election interference investigation. They allege he misled the legislative body by claiming he had not approved someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to release to media organizations data about the FBI investigations.

Government lawyers also accuse James Comey of "improperly attempting to influence, block and delay" the committee by making false statements to it.

Personal Comments

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

"We have understood for a long time that there are consequences to opposing Donald Trump," he said. "We refuse to live on our knees."

"I have done nothing wrong," he stated further. "Therefore proceed with a trial."

The charges against the former director emerged after the former president posted on social media demanding his top legal official, the attorney general, prosecute the former director and additional individuals.