🔗 Share this article

Ex- FBI director James the former director has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to US legislators and impeding a legislative process.

The former director's attorney entered the response acting as his counsel in a US district court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.

Patrick Fitzgerald stated he would attempt to have the legal matter terminated for several reasons including that his client, a critic of former President Trump, was being singled out.

Mr Comey was charged soon after Trump pushed his attorney general to proceed against him.

Judicial Process

During the hearing on mid-week, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald informed the magistrate they intended to file several legal requests to dismiss the legal matter before a trial, stating the prosecution was vindictive and that a US attorney was wrongfully assigned to assume control of the proceedings.

James Comey's proceedings was initially overseen by Erik Siebert, who left his position under influence from the former president after his investigation into an additional opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - failed to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey seemed in positive mood as he entered the court on Wednesday, conversing with his attorneys and making jokes. He was supported by his wife, Patrice Failor and child Maureen, a federal prosecutor who the Trump administration terminated.

After listening to the magistrate state his constitutional guarantees and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, James Comey was inquired if he comprehended the allegations.

"Yes your honour. Thank you very much," he told the court.

Background Context

The former director was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was dismissed about a few months into the former president's first administration as national leader. At the period, the director was leading an probe into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between Russia and the presidential campaign.

Throughout his leadership, James Comey caused a counter-response from liberal politicians when he declared just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was investigating Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Charges against the candidate were not filed, leading to criticism from the Republican party as well.

Present Charges

The federal government allege James Comey lied to Congress during a legislative proceeding in September 2020 when he was being examined about both the previous examination as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he misled the legislative body by saying he had not approved an individual at the agency to release to news outlets details about the FBI investigations.

Government lawyers also accuse the defendant of "wrongfully trying to affect, block and impede" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.

Individual Responses

Through a recording Mr Comey posted to his online platform after he was charged, he said he was innocent and accused the former president of acting like a "autocrat".

"We have known for years that there are consequences to challenging the former president," he stated. "We will not live on our bended knee."

"I'm innocent," he stated further. "Thus initiate a court case."

The accusations against Mr Comey surfaced after Donald Trump posted on online platforms insisting on his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, charge the former director and others.