Former FBI Chief James Comey Submits Not Guilty Plea to Charges of Lying Congress

James Comey court appearance
He has stated his non-guilt concerning the charges

Former Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the ex-FBI chief has denied the charges to making false statements to US legislators and hindering a legislative process.

Mr Comey's attorney filed the response acting as his counsel in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

His attorney stated he would attempt to have the legal matter terminated for multiple causes including that his defendant, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

James Comey was charged soon after the former president pressured his attorney general to take action against him.

Court Developments

At the proceedings on Wednesday, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald told the judge they planned to submit various petitions to terminate the legal matter before a court case, claiming the government's case was vindictive and that a government lawyer was improperly appointed to assume control of the legal matter.

Mr Comey's proceedings was originally handled by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under pressure from the former president after his probe into an additional political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - failed to initiate prosecution.

Judicial Environment

James Comey seemed in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the legal venue on Wednesday, speaking with his attorneys and being lighthearted. He was joined by his spouse, Patrice Failor and child Maureen Comey, a US lawyer who the Trump administration terminated.

Upon hearing to the judge read his rights and the dual charges against him in court on Wednesday, Mr Comey was asked if he understood the accusations.

"Absolutely your honour. Appreciate it," he stated to the court.

Background Context

Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was dismissed about a few months into Donald Trump's first term as national leader. At the time, the director was leading an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between the Russian government and the election effort.

Throughout his leadership, the director triggered a backlash from liberal politicians when he announced just shortly prior to the 2016 presidential election that he was investigating Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Charges against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, resulting in criticism from Republicans as well.

Current Allegations

Prosecutors allege James Comey gave untrue statements to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he misled the upper house by stating he had not authorized an individual at the agency to disclose to media organizations data about the government examinations.

Government lawyers also accuse James Comey of "improperly attempting to affect, block and slow" the legislative group by giving misleading testimony to it.

Individual Responses

Through a recording the former director shared to his social media after he was accused, he said he was innocent and charged Donald Trump of acting like a "dictator".

"Our household have been aware for a long time that there are costs to challenging Donald Trump," he stated. "We choose not to live on our kneeling."
"I am not guilty," he stated further. "Thus initiate a court case."

These allegations against Mr Comey surfaced after Donald Trump published on digital channels calling for his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, prosecute James Comey and additional individuals.

Connected Matters

  • Former FBI chief James Comey accused on two charges
  • Which accusations are previous chief James Comey face?
Brenda Jenkins
Brenda Jenkins

An experienced educator and researcher passionate about innovative learning techniques and cognitive development.