🔗 Share this article

Former Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the former director has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to lawmakers and hindering a congressional proceeding.

Mr Comey's attorney entered the answer acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

The defense lawyer stated he would attempt to have the proceedings dismissed for several factors including that his client, a critic of Donald Trump, was being targeted.

Mr Comey was formally accused shortly after Trump pushed his attorney general to take action against him.

Legal Proceedings

During the hearing on mid-week, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald informed the judge they aimed to present several petitions to throw out the legal matter before a trial, claiming the prosecution was spiteful and that a US attorney was wrongfully appointed to take over the case.

The former director's legal matter was first managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under scrutiny from Donald Trump after his probe into another opponent - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to bring criminal charges.

Legal Setting

Mr Comey seemed in good spirits as he came into the court on Wednesday, conversing with his legal team and sharing humor. He was supported by his partner, Mrs Failor and child Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the Trump administration dismissed.

Upon hearing to the magistrate state his rights and the pair of allegations against him in court on Wednesday, the defendant was questioned if he comprehended the allegations.

"Absolutely your honour. Appreciate it," he told the judge.

Historical Information

The former director was the FBI Director from four years and was dismissed about four months into Donald Trump's first administration as president. At the period, he was leading an examination into international campaign influence and whether there were any links between the Russian government and Trump's campaign.

During his tenure, James Comey triggered a counter-response from Democrats when he announced just shortly prior to the 2016 presidential election that he was investigating Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against Clinton were not filed, leading to negative feedback from the Republican party as well.

Current Allegations

Prosecutors allege James Comey provided false information to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in September 2020 when he was being questioned about both the previous examination as well as the election interference investigation. They claim he deceived the upper house by claiming he had not approved a person at the FBI to release to journalistic entities data about the FBI investigations.

Prosecutors also charge the defendant of "improperly attempting to sway, obstruct and slow" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.

Individual Responses

Through a recording Mr Comey posted to his social media after he was charged, he said he was innocent and accused the former president of behaving like a "tyrant".

"We have known for a long time that there are ramifications to opposing Mr Trump," he said. "We refuse to live on our kneeling."

"I have done nothing wrong," he continued. "Therefore proceed with a legal proceeding."

The accusations against Mr Comey emerged after Trump published on online platforms demanding his top legal official, the attorney general, charge James Comey and others.