Former Federal Bureau of Investigation Chief James Comey Submits Not Guilty Plea to Accusations of Misleading Congress

James Comey court appearance
The former director has asserted his innocence about the indictments

Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James Comey has entered an innocent plea to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and hindering a legislative process.

The former director's legal representative submitted the plea on his behalf in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

His attorney announced he would try to have the legal matter thrown out for several factors including that his defendant, a critic of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was indicted shortly after the former president urged his top legal official to move forward against him.

Legal Proceedings

At the proceedings on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Patrick Fitzgerald informed the judge they planned to submit various legal requests to terminate the proceedings before a court case, stating the government's case was vindictive and that a government lawyer was wrongfully designated to assume control of the legal matter.

The former director's proceedings was originally handled by the original attorney, who stepped down under pressure from the former president after his examination into another opponent - the New York official - failed to bring criminal charges.

Legal Setting

James Comey appeared in positive mood as he walked into the legal venue on Wednesday, speaking with his attorneys and being lighthearted. He was accompanied by his partner, his wife and offspring Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the former government terminated.

Upon hearing to the judge state his constitutional guarantees and the pair of allegations against him in court on mid-week, Mr Comey was asked if he grasped the allegations.

"Yes your honour. Appreciate it," he told the court.

Previous Events

James Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was fired about several months into the former president's first term as commander-in-chief. At the moment, he was overseeing an investigation into international campaign influence and whether there were any relationships between Russia and the presidential campaign.

While in office, Mr Comey sparked a counter-response from liberal politicians when he stated just shortly prior to the 2016 presidential election that he was investigating political contender the candidate's use of a personal email system. Indictments against the candidate were never brought, resulting in disapproval from Republicans as well.

Present Charges

Prosecutors allege the former director gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being questioned about both the Clinton investigation as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They allege he provided false information to the Senate by saying he had not permitted an individual at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to leak to media organizations details about the government examinations.

Prosecutors also accuse the defendant of "improperly attempting to sway, block and delay" the committee by making false statements to it.

Individual Responses

Via social media James Comey posted to his social media after he was indicted, he stated he was wrongly accused and alleged Donald Trump of behaving like a "autocrat".

"Our household have understood for a long time that there are ramifications to opposing Mr Trump," he stated. "We refuse to live on our knees."
"I'm innocent," he continued. "Therefore proceed with a court case."

The charges against Mr Comey came after Trump published on social media demanding his top legal official, the attorney general, take legal action against Mr Comey and other people.

Connected Matters

  • Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey indicted on two charges
  • What accusations are ex-FBI director James Comey face?
Megan Ford
Megan Ford

A passionate environmental scientist and writer dedicated to advancing clean energy solutions and educating communities on sustainable living.