Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey Submits Denial Plea to Accusations of Misleading US Legislators

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

Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey has denied the charges to making false statements to lawmakers and impeding a congressional proceeding.

Mr Comey's attorney submitted the plea acting as his counsel in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

Patrick Fitzgerald stated he would seek to have the proceedings dismissed for several factors including that his defendant, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was formally accused soon after Trump pressured his chief prosecutor to proceed against him.

Court Developments

In court on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Patrick Fitzgerald advised the magistrate they aimed to submit various motions to dismiss the legal matter before a legal hearing, arguing the government's case was retaliatory and that a federal prosecutor was wrongfully appointed to assume control of the proceedings.

The former director's proceedings was first handled by Erik Siebert, who stepped down under scrutiny from Donald Trump after his examination into a different opponent - the New York official - was unable to bring criminal charges.

Legal Setting

James Comey appeared in good spirits as he walked into the courtroom on mid-week, speaking with his legal team and making jokes. He was accompanied by his partner, Patrice Failor and offspring Maureen, a government attorney who the previous administration terminated.

Upon hearing to the judge read his legal protections and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, James Comey was asked if he understood the charges.

"Yes your honour. Thank you very much," he stated to the proceedings.

Historical Information

The former director was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was terminated about four months into the former president's first term as national leader. At the time, Mr Comey was directing an probe into international campaign influence and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and Trump's campaign.

During his tenure, the director caused a counter-response from the Democratic party when he stated just days before the 2016 election that he was investigating political contender Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Charges against Clinton were never brought, causing disapproval from conservative politicians as well.

Current Allegations

Prosecutors allege James Comey gave untrue statements to the legislature during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the previous examination as well as the Russia election probe. They say he misled the upper house by stating he had not approved an individual at the FBI to release to media organizations information about the government examinations.

Government lawyers also allege Mr Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, block and slow" the legislative group by providing untrue information to it.

Personal Comments

In a video the former director published to his Instagram after he was indicted, he stated he was wrongly accused and accused Donald Trump of behaving like a "dictator".

"We have known for years that there are ramifications to standing up to Donald Trump," he commented. "We refuse to live on our bended knee."
"I am not guilty," he stated further. "So let's have a legal proceeding."

These allegations against Mr Comey surfaced after the former president posted on digital channels insisting on his attorney general, the attorney general, charge James Comey and other people.

Related Developments

  • Former FBI director James Comey indicted on two charges
  • What charges are ex-FBI director James Comey confront?
Jesse Jones
Jesse Jones

A writer and folklorist with a passion for reimagining dark fairy tales and exploring the shadows of classic stories.