Former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey Submits Innocent Plea to Allegations of Falsehoods US Legislators

James Comey court appearance
The former director has asserted his non-guilt about the charges

Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to US legislators and obstructing a lawmaking procedure.

The former director's legal representative submitted the plea acting as his counsel in a US district court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday morning.

His attorney declared he would seek to have the legal matter thrown out for multiple reasons including that his client, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

Mr Comey was formally accused just days after Trump pushed his top legal official to move forward against him.

Judicial Process

At the proceedings on mid-week, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald told the court they planned to submit multiple legal requests to dismiss the case before a court case, arguing the legal action was spiteful and that a federal prosecutor was improperly designated to take over the legal matter.

James Comey's proceedings was initially handled by a Virginia prosecutor, who stepped down under pressure from Donald Trump after his probe into another opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - failed to file indictments.

Legal Setting

Mr Comey seemed in positive mood as he entered the courtroom on mid-week, conversing with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was supported by his partner, Patrice Failor and child his daughter, a government attorney who the former government dismissed.

Following the reading to the court state his constitutional guarantees and the pair of allegations against him in court on mid-week, James Comey was inquired if he understood the allegations.

"Absolutely your honour. Thank you," he told the proceedings.

Previous Events

Mr Comey was the FBI Director from four years and was fired about a few months into the former president's initial presidency as national leader. At the moment, Mr Comey was directing an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between Russia and the election effort.

During his tenure, Mr Comey triggered a negative reaction from the Democratic party when he stated just shortly prior to the national vote that he was examining political contender the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against the candidate were not pursued, causing criticism from conservative politicians as well.

Present Charges

Prosecutors assert the former director provided false information to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being questioned about both the previous examination as well as the Russia election probe. They say he misled the Senate by saying he had not authorized someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to release to media organizations data about the FBI investigations.

Prosecutors also charge Mr Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, block and slow" the legislative group by making false statements to it.

Public Statements

Via social media James Comey shared to his Instagram after he was charged, he declared he was innocent and alleged Trump of acting like a "dictator".

"We have known for considerable time that there are costs to opposing Donald Trump," he commented. "We choose not to live on our bended knee."
"I'm innocent," he added. "Thus initiate a legal proceeding."

The accusations against Mr Comey emerged after Trump shared on online platforms demanding his top legal official, the attorney general, prosecute Mr Comey and additional individuals.

Connected Matters

  • Ex- FBI director James Comey indicted on two charges
  • The nature of allegations is ex-FBI director James Comey confront?
Christine Johnston
Christine Johnston

A seasoned contractor with over 15 years of experience in home renovations, passionate about sharing knowledge to empower homeowners.