🔗 Share this article

Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the ex-FBI chief has entered an innocent plea to making false statements to congressional representatives and hindering a lawmaking procedure.

His legal representative submitted the response representing him in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.

The defense lawyer announced he would seek to have the proceedings terminated for various factors including that his defendant, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

Mr Comey was formally accused just days after the former president pushed his top legal official to move forward against him.

Judicial Process

In court on mid-week, his attorney the legal representative informed the court they planned to submit several petitions to dismiss the legal matter before a trial, claiming the prosecution was spiteful and that a federal prosecutor was wrongfully appointed to assume control of the legal matter.

The former director's proceedings was originally handled by the original attorney, who resigned under scrutiny from Donald Trump after his examination into an additional opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - failed to file indictments.

Legal Setting

The former director appeared in good spirits as he walked into the court on Wednesday, speaking with his lawyers and making jokes. He was supported by his wife, his wife and offspring Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the Trump administration terminated.

After listening to the judge read his legal protections and the two counts against him in the courtroom on mid-week, Mr Comey was inquired if he comprehended the allegations.

"Absolutely your honour. Appreciate it," he stated to the proceedings.

Previous Events

The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was dismissed about a few months into the former president's initial presidency as commander-in-chief. At the period, he was leading an probe into Russian election interference and whether there were any relationships between Russia and the presidential campaign.

While in office, James Comey sparked a negative reaction from Democrats when he stated just days before the 2016 election that he was examining Democratic candidate Clinton's use of a personal email system. Legal actions against Hillary Clinton were never brought, resulting in criticism from Republicans as well.

Current Allegations

The federal government claim Mr Comey lied to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in September 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They say he deceived the upper house by stating he had not permitted an individual at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to journalistic entities information about the FBI investigations.

Legal representatives also charge James Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, hinder and impede" the panel by making false statements to it.

Personal Comments

In a video James Comey published to his online platform after he was charged, he declared he was innocent and alleged the former president of acting like a "tyrant".

"We have been aware for years that there are costs to standing up to Mr Trump," he said. "We refuse to live on our knees."

"I have done nothing wrong," he stated further. "So let's have a court case."

The accusations against James Comey emerged after the former president published on digital channels insisting on his top legal official, the attorney general, charge Mr Comey and other people.