Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation Chief James Comey Enters Not Guilty Plea to Charges of Falsehoods Congress

James Comey court appearance
Comey has maintained his innocence about the charges

Former Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and hindering a legislative process.

Mr Comey's attorney submitted the answer representing him in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.

His attorney stated he would seek to have the case terminated for multiple reasons including that his defendant, a opponent of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

James Comey was charged just days after Trump urged his attorney general to proceed against him.

Judicial Process

In court on mid-week, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald informed the court they intended to present multiple legal requests to throw out the proceedings before a court case, claiming the government's case was retaliatory and that a government lawyer was improperly assigned to take over the legal matter.

Mr Comey's legal matter was initially managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under influence from Donald Trump after his investigation into another opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - was unable to file indictments.

Legal Setting

Mr Comey appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the legal venue on mid-week, conversing with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was joined by his partner, his wife and daughter Maureen, a government attorney who the Trump administration recently fired.

After listening to the judge recite his rights and the two counts against him in court on mid-week, Mr Comey was asked if he comprehended the charges.

"I do your honour. Thank you," he informed the court.

Historical Information

The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013-2017 and was dismissed about a few months into Trump's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the moment, the director was leading an probe into international campaign influence and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and the election effort.

During his tenure, Mr Comey caused a negative reaction from Democrats when he declared just immediately preceding the national vote that he was investigating Democratic candidate Clinton's use of a personal email system. Legal actions against Clinton were not filed, resulting in disapproval from the Republican party as well.

Current Allegations

The federal government allege James Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in September 2020 when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the election interference investigation. They say he provided false information to the Senate by stating he had not approved someone at the FBI to release to news outlets details about the FBI investigations.

Legal representatives also accuse Mr Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to sway, obstruct and impede" the legislative group by giving misleading testimony to it.

Personal Comments

Through a recording the former director published to his social media after he was charged, he declared he was wrongly accused and accused the former president of acting like a "dictator".

"We have understood for years that there are consequences to standing up to Mr Trump," he commented. "We will not live on our kneeling."
"I'm innocent," he added. "Thus initiate a legal proceeding."

The charges against the former director came after Trump shared on social media insisting on his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, charge Mr Comey and additional individuals.

Associated Events

  • Former FBI chief James Comey charged on dual counts
  • What allegations is former director James Comey confront?
Kristina Parsons
Kristina Parsons

A seasoned crypto analyst with a passion for demystifying digital currencies and helping investors make informed decisions.