🔗 Share this article

Ex- FBI chief James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to lawmakers and impeding a congressional proceeding.

The former director's lawyer entered the answer representing him in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

The defense lawyer stated he would attempt to have the case dismissed for multiple reasons including that his client, a detractor of former President Trump, was being targeted.

Mr Comey was indicted just days after Trump pushed his attorney general to move forward against him.

Legal Proceedings

At the proceedings on Wednesday, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald told the magistrate they intended to submit multiple petitions to throw out the legal matter before a legal hearing, stating the government's case was spiteful and that a government lawyer was wrongfully designated to assume control of the proceedings.

The former director's proceedings was initially managed by the original attorney, who resigned under influence from the former president after his investigation into another opponent - NY AG Letitia James - failed to initiate prosecution.

Courtroom Atmosphere

Mr Comey came across in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the court on Wednesday, chatting with his attorneys and making jokes. He was joined by his spouse, Mrs Failor and child his daughter, a federal prosecutor who the Trump administration dismissed.

Upon hearing to the court recite his rights and the two counts against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, Mr Comey was asked if he comprehended the allegations.

"I do your honour. Thank you very much," he informed the court.

Background Context

The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was terminated about four months into Donald Trump's initial presidency as commander-in-chief. At the moment, he was overseeing an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and the election effort.

During his tenure, the director sparked a negative reaction from the Democratic party when he declared just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was probing Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against the candidate were not filed, resulting in criticism from the Republican party as well.

Present Charges

Government attorneys claim the former director lied to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he provided false information to the legislative body by stating he had not authorized a person at the agency to release to media organizations information about the government examinations.

Legal representatives also allege James Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, obstruct and impede" the legislative group by making false statements to it.

Personal Comments

Through a recording the former director shared to his online platform after he was accused, he said he was not guilty and accused the former president of conducting himself like a "dictator".

"We have been aware for considerable time that there are ramifications to opposing Donald Trump," he commented. "We will not live on our kneeling."

"I have done nothing wrong," he continued. "So let's have a trial."

These allegations against Mr Comey emerged after Trump shared on social media demanding his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, take legal action against Mr Comey and others.