🔗 Share this article

Ex- FBI head James the former director has denied the charges to providing misleading information to lawmakers and impeding a legislative process.

His legal representative filed the plea representing him in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.

The defense lawyer stated he would attempt to have the case terminated for multiple reasons including that his defendant, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

James Comey was formally accused just days after Trump pressured his attorney general to take action against him.

Judicial Process

During the hearing on mid-week, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald told the judge they aimed to present several petitions to terminate the case before a legal hearing, stating the government's case was retaliatory and that a US attorney was improperly designated to take over the proceedings.

James Comey's proceedings was originally handled by Erik Siebert, who left his position under pressure from Trump after his examination into an additional political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to file indictments.

Legal Setting

James Comey seemed in good spirits as he came into the legal venue on Wednesday, conversing with his legal team and sharing humor. He was supported by his spouse, his wife and daughter Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the previous administration dismissed.

Following the reading to the magistrate state his constitutional guarantees and the pair of allegations against him in court on Wednesday, James Comey was inquired if he understood the charges.

"I do your honour. Thank you," he stated to the proceedings.

Previous Events

Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from four years and was dismissed about four months into the former president's initial presidency as commander-in-chief. At the period, he was directing an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between Russia and Trump's campaign.

During his tenure, Mr Comey caused a backlash from liberal politicians when he declared just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was investigating presidential nominee the candidate's use of a private email server. Indictments against Clinton were not pursued, leading to disapproval from the Republican party as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Prosecutors allege James Comey provided false information to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 when he was being questioned about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They say he misled the legislative body by saying he had not permitted someone at the agency to release to media organizations information about the government examinations.

Prosecutors also accuse Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to influence, obstruct and delay" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.

Public Statements

Via social media the former director published to his social media after he was charged, he declared he was innocent and charged Trump of behaving like a "autocrat".

"We have been aware for considerable time that there are consequences to opposing the former president," he stated. "We choose not to live on our bended knee."

"I am not guilty," he added. "So let's have a legal proceeding."

The charges against Mr Comey surfaced after the former president posted on social media calling for his attorney general, Ms Bondi, prosecute James Comey and other people.