Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation Chief James Comey Submits Not Guilty Plea to Charges of Lying Lawmakers

James Comey court appearance
Comey has maintained his clean record concerning the allegations

Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the ex-FBI chief has denied the charges to providing misleading information to US legislators and impeding a lawmaking procedure.

His attorney submitted the plea acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.

His attorney stated he would seek to have the legal matter terminated for various causes including that his client, a critic of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

Mr Comey was indicted soon after the former president urged his top legal official to proceed against him.

Court Developments

During the hearing on mid-week, his attorney the legal representative advised the judge they intended to file multiple motions to dismiss the case before a court case, arguing the prosecution was vindictive and that a government lawyer was wrongfully appointed to take over the proceedings.

Mr Comey's proceedings was first overseen by the original attorney, who resigned under influence from Trump after his probe into another rival - the New York official - was unable to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey seemed in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the courtroom on Wednesday, chatting with his legal team and making jokes. He was supported by his spouse, Patrice Failor and child Maureen Comey, a US lawyer who the previous administration dismissed.

Upon hearing to the magistrate recite his legal protections and the pair of allegations against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, Mr Comey was asked if he grasped the allegations.

"Yes your honour. Thank you," he stated to the judge.

Background Context

James Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about several months into the former president's first term as president. At the period, the director was leading an probe into Russian election interference and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and the election effort.

While in office, Mr Comey triggered a counter-response from Democrats when he stated just immediately preceding the 2016 election that he was investigating Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Legal actions against the candidate were not pursued, resulting in negative feedback from the Republican party as well.

Current Allegations

The federal government claim James Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They allege he misled the upper house by saying he had not approved an individual at the agency to disclose to journalistic entities data about the FBI investigations.

Prosecutors also allege Mr Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to sway, block and impede" the legislative group by making false statements to it.

Individual Responses

Via social media Mr Comey posted to his Instagram after he was indicted, he stated he was not guilty and charged Donald Trump of acting like a "autocrat".

"My family and I have known for a long time that there are consequences to challenging the former president," he said. "We refuse to live on our knees."
"I have done nothing wrong," he added. "So let's have a court case."

These allegations against the former director came after Trump posted on digital channels calling for his chief prosecutor, Ms Bondi, charge the former director and others.

Related Developments

  • Ex- FBI chief James Comey accused on dual counts
  • What accusations does previous chief James Comey encounter?
Jessica Fisher
Jessica Fisher

A tech-savvy writer passionate about blockchain innovations and virtual reality gaming, with years of experience in the crypto casino industry.