🔗 Share this article

Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the former director has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and hindering a legislative process.

Mr Comey's lawyer entered the plea representing him in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.

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

The former director was indicted just days after the former president pushed his chief prosecutor to take action against him.

Judicial Process

In court on Wednesday, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald informed the court they planned to submit various petitions to terminate the case before a court case, arguing the government's case was vindictive and that a US attorney was unlawfully appointed to assume control of the proceedings.

The former director's case was originally managed by the original attorney, who stepped down under influence from Donald Trump after his investigation into an additional political adversary - the New York official - failed to initiate prosecution.

Judicial Environment

James Comey appeared in positive mood as he entered the legal venue on mid-week, speaking with his legal team and making jokes. He was accompanied by his partner, Mrs Failor and daughter Maureen, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration dismissed.

Following the reading to the magistrate state his constitutional guarantees and the dual charges against him in court on mid-week, James Comey was inquired if he understood the charges.

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

Historical Information

Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from four years and was dismissed about several months into Donald Trump's first administration as national leader. At the moment, Mr Comey was directing an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between Moscow and the presidential campaign.

Throughout his leadership, the director sparked a counter-response from liberal politicians when he announced just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was probing Democratic candidate Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against Clinton were not pursued, leading to negative feedback from the Republican party as well.

Current Allegations

Government attorneys allege Mr Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 when he was being examined about both the previous examination as well as the Russia election probe. They allege he provided false information to the legislative body by saying he had not authorized someone at the FBI to release to journalistic entities information about the agency probes.

Prosecutors also accuse Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to sway, obstruct and impede" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.

Public Statements

Through a recording Mr Comey shared to his online platform after he was charged, he said he was innocent and alleged the former president of conducting himself like a "autocrat".

"My family and I have been aware for considerable time that there are consequences to challenging Donald Trump," he said. "We will not live on our knees."

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

The accusations against the former director surfaced after the former president published on social media insisting on his top legal official, Ms Bondi, charge the former director and others.