Ex- FBI Director James Comey Enters Innocent Plea to Charges of Falsehoods Lawmakers

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

The former director's legal representative submitted the answer representing him in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

The defense lawyer declared he would try to have the legal matter terminated for several reasons including that his the accused, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

James Comey was formally accused just days after Trump pressured his chief prosecutor to proceed against him.

Court Developments

At the proceedings on mid-week, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald informed the magistrate they aimed to present multiple motions to terminate the proceedings before a legal hearing, claiming the legal action was spiteful and that a US attorney was unlawfully assigned to handle the proceedings.

James Comey's proceedings was first handled by Erik Siebert, who resigned under pressure from Donald Trump after his investigation into a different opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - failed to file indictments.

Legal Setting

Mr Comey seemed in positive mood as he entered the courtroom on Wednesday, conversing with his attorneys and making jokes. He was supported by his partner, Mrs Failor and daughter his daughter, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration dismissed.

Following the reading to the court state his rights and the two counts against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, the defendant was inquired if he understood the charges.

"Yes your honour. Thank you," he informed the proceedings.

Previous Events

James Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about four months into the former president's first administration as national leader. At the moment, he was directing an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between the Russian government and the presidential campaign.

While in office, Mr Comey triggered a counter-response from Democrats when he stated just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was investigating Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Charges against Clinton were not filed, resulting in negative feedback from the Republican party as well.

Current Allegations

Prosecutors claim the former director gave untrue statements to the legislature during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he deceived the legislative body by saying he had not authorized a person at the agency to release to media organizations data about the FBI investigations.

Prosecutors also accuse Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to influence, obstruct and delay" the committee by making false statements to it.

Individual Responses

Through a recording the former director published to his Instagram after he was indicted, he stated he was wrongly accused and alleged Trump of behaving like a "dictator".

"Our household have understood for a long time that there are costs to standing up to Mr Trump," he stated. "We will not live on our knees."

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

The accusations against the former director came after Donald Trump posted on online platforms calling for his attorney general, Pam Bondi, take legal action against Mr Comey and others.