Former FBI Chief James Comey Files Not Guilty Plea to Charges of Falsehoods Congress

James Comey court appearance
He has maintained his innocence regarding the allegations

Ex- FBI chief James Comey has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and hindering a lawmaking procedure.

His attorney entered the plea representing him in a US district court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday morning.

His attorney announced he would seek to have the case terminated for several factors including that his defendant, a critic of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

James Comey was formally accused soon after the former president urged his top legal official to take action against him.

Judicial Process

During the hearing on mid-week, his attorney the legal representative told the judge they intended to file multiple legal requests to throw out the proceedings before a trial, claiming the prosecution was retaliatory and that a US attorney was unlawfully assigned to assume control of the case.

The former director's proceedings was originally overseen by Erik Siebert, who left his position under influence from Trump after his investigation into a different opponent - NY AG Letitia James - failed to file indictments.

Legal Setting

The former director seemed in good spirits as he entered the legal venue on Wednesday, conversing with his attorneys and being lighthearted. He was joined by his partner, Patrice Failor and child Maureen, a federal prosecutor who the former government recently fired.

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

"Absolutely your honour. Thank you very much," he informed the court.

Historical Information

James Comey was the FBI Director from four years and was terminated about a few months into Donald Trump's first term as national leader. At the moment, he was overseeing an investigation into Russian election interference and whether there were any relationships between Russia and the election effort.

During his tenure, Mr Comey sparked a counter-response from Democrats when he announced just immediately preceding the national vote that he was probing presidential nominee Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against the candidate were never brought, resulting in criticism from Republicans as well.

Present Charges

Government attorneys claim James Comey lied to US lawmakers during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being examined about both the Clinton investigation as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he deceived the legislative body by stating he had not approved an individual at the agency to disclose to journalistic entities details about the government examinations.

Legal representatives also charge James Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, obstruct and impede" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.

Public Statements

Through a recording James Comey published to his social media after he was indicted, he said he was wrongly accused and alleged Donald Trump of acting like a "autocrat".

"We have understood for a long time that there are consequences to challenging Mr Trump," he said. "We choose not to live on our knees."
"I am not guilty," he stated further. "So let's have a legal proceeding."

The accusations against the former director surfaced after Donald Trump posted on social media insisting on his top legal official, Ms Bondi, prosecute Mr Comey and others.

Associated Events

  • Ex- FBI chief James Comey indicted on two charges
  • What charges is previous chief James Comey face?
Selena Mckay
Selena Mckay

A passionate storyteller with a background in creative writing, blending traditional myths with modern themes.