🔗 Share this article

Previous FBI chief James Comey has entered an innocent plea to making false statements to US legislators and impeding a congressional proceeding.

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

Patrick Fitzgerald stated he would attempt to have the case dismissed for several reasons including that his the accused, a critic of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

Mr Comey was charged soon after Trump pressured his top legal official to take action against him.

Legal Proceedings

In court on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Patrick Fitzgerald told the magistrate they planned to submit various motions to dismiss the legal matter before a court case, stating the government's case was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was unlawfully designated to handle the legal matter.

James Comey's case was first overseen by the original attorney, who left his position under pressure from Donald Trump after his examination into a different rival - the New York official - did not succeed to initiate prosecution.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey appeared in positive mood as he walked into the courtroom on Wednesday, speaking with his attorneys and making jokes. He was supported by his spouse, Patrice Failor and offspring Maureen, a federal prosecutor who the former government dismissed.

Following the reading to the magistrate recite his legal protections and the two counts against him in court on Wednesday, Mr Comey was questioned if he understood the allegations.

"Absolutely your honour. Thank you very much," he stated to the court.

Background Context

James Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013-2017 and was fired about four months into the former president's first term as president. At the moment, he was leading an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and the presidential campaign.

During his tenure, James Comey triggered a negative reaction from liberal politicians when he stated just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was examining presidential nominee the candidate's use of a private email server. Indictments against Clinton were not filed, causing negative feedback from Republicans as well.

Current Allegations

Government attorneys claim James Comey provided false information to Congress 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 claim he misled the upper house by stating he had not permitted someone at the agency to disclose to journalistic entities information about the government examinations.

Prosecutors also accuse the defendant of "improperly attempting to affect, obstruct and delay" the legislative group by making false statements to it.

Public Statements

Via social media James Comey posted to his social media after he was charged, he declared he was wrongly accused and accused Donald Trump of acting like a "autocrat".

"My family and I have been aware for a long time that there are costs to opposing Mr Trump," he said. "We choose not to live on our knees."

"I'm innocent," he stated further. "Thus initiate a legal proceeding."

The accusations against Mr Comey surfaced after Donald Trump shared on social media calling for his attorney general, Pam Bondi, charge James Comey and others.