Ex- FBI Head James Comey Files Not Guilty Plea to Accusations of Lying Congress

Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the former director has denied the charges to making false statements to US legislators and impeding a congressional proceeding.

The former director's legal representative filed the plea on his behalf in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

His attorney stated he would attempt to have the legal matter terminated for multiple factors including that his the accused, a detractor of former President Trump, was being targeted.

James Comey was indicted just days after Trump urged his chief prosecutor to move forward against him.

Legal Proceedings

During the hearing on Wednesday, the defense counsel Mr Fitzgerald told the judge they aimed to file several legal requests to terminate the proceedings before a court case, arguing the government's case was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was wrongfully assigned to assume control of the legal matter.

James Comey's legal matter was originally overseen by Erik Siebert, who left his position under influence from Trump after his examination into another opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - did not succeed to bring criminal charges.

Legal Setting

Mr Comey appeared in positive mood as he entered the legal venue on Wednesday, speaking with his legal team and making jokes. He was joined by his partner, his wife and offspring Maureen, a US lawyer who the previous administration terminated.

After listening to the court read his rights and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, the defendant was questioned if he grasped the charges.

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

Previous Events

James Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013-2017 and was fired about four months into Trump's initial presidency as president. At the moment, Mr Comey was directing an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between Russia and Trump's campaign.

While in office, Mr Comey triggered a negative reaction from Democrats when he announced just immediately preceding the 2016 election that he was investigating political contender Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Legal actions against Clinton were not filed, resulting in disapproval from the Republican party as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Prosecutors claim James Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in September 2020 when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he provided false information to the upper house by claiming he had not approved an individual at the FBI to release to media organizations details about the government examinations.

Government lawyers also allege Mr Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to sway, obstruct and impede" the legislative group by providing untrue information to it.

Public Statements

Via social media Mr Comey published to his Instagram after he was indicted, he said he was innocent and accused the former president of acting like a "tyrant".

"We have understood for considerable time that there are ramifications to challenging Donald Trump," he stated. "We refuse to live on our knees."

"I have done nothing wrong," he added. "Therefore proceed with a trial."

The accusations against Mr Comey surfaced after Trump shared on digital channels insisting on his chief prosecutor, the attorney general, take legal action against James Comey and others.