Ex- FBI Chief James Comey Submits Innocent Plea to Allegations of Lying Congress
Ex- FBI head James the ex-FBI chief has denied the charges to giving untrue testimony to lawmakers and obstructing a lawmaking procedure.
The former director's legal representative submitted the answer acting as his counsel in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.
Patrick Fitzgerald stated he would attempt to have the case terminated for multiple causes including that his defendant, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being singled out.
Mr Comey was charged shortly after Trump pressured his attorney general to move forward against him.
Court Developments
In court on mid-week, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald informed the court they intended to file various motions to terminate the case before a court case, claiming the legal action was retaliatory and that a federal prosecutor was unlawfully assigned to take over the case.
Mr Comey's legal matter was originally handled by the original attorney, who stepped down under scrutiny from Trump after his examination into an additional opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - did not succeed to bring criminal charges.
Courtroom Atmosphere
The former director appeared in positive mood as he entered the courtroom on Wednesday, chatting with his legal team and making jokes. He was joined by his spouse, Mrs Failor and offspring Maureen, a US lawyer who the previous administration terminated.
Following the reading to the court state his constitutional guarantees and the dual charges against him in court on mid-week, Mr Comey was questioned if he understood the allegations.
"Absolutely your honour. Thank you," he stated to the judge.
Historical Information
Mr Comey was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was dismissed about several months into the former president's initial presidency as commander-in-chief. At the period, the director was overseeing an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and the election effort.
Throughout his leadership, the director caused a backlash from liberal politicians when he stated just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was probing Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against Hillary Clinton were not filed, causing disapproval from Republicans as well.
Present Charges
The federal government claim Mr Comey lied to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 when he was being questioned about both the previous examination as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he deceived the Senate by stating he had not approved someone at the agency to disclose to journalistic entities data about the agency probes.
Government lawyers also accuse the defendant of "corruptly endeavoring to affect, obstruct and impede" the legislative group by providing untrue information to it.
Public Statements
Through a recording the former director shared to his online platform after he was indicted, he said he was wrongly accused and alleged Trump of conducting himself like a "tyrant".
"We have known for a long time that there are ramifications to challenging Mr Trump," he commented. "We will not live on our knees."
"I am not guilty," he continued. "Thus initiate a legal proceeding."
These allegations against the former director came after the former president published on online platforms insisting on his chief prosecutor, the attorney general, prosecute the former director and others.
Associated Events
- Former Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey accused on pair of allegations
- The nature of accusations does previous chief James Comey confront?