Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation Chief James Comey Submits Not Guilty Plea to Charges of Lying Congress

Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the former director has denied the charges to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and hindering a legislative process.

The former director's lawyer submitted the answer representing him in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

The defense lawyer announced he would try to have the case thrown out for several reasons including that his client, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

Mr Comey was indicted soon after Donald Trump urged his attorney general to take action against him.

Legal Proceedings

At the proceedings on mid-week, the defense counsel the legal representative told the judge they aimed to file several motions to dismiss the proceedings before a trial, claiming the government's case was spiteful and that a federal prosecutor was unlawfully designated to take over the case.

James Comey's case was originally overseen by a Virginia prosecutor, who stepped down under influence from Donald Trump after his examination into a different rival - New York Attorney General Letitia James - failed to bring criminal charges.

Judicial Environment

James Comey appeared in positive mood as he walked into the court on Wednesday, speaking with his legal team and sharing humor. He was accompanied by his wife, Patrice Failor and daughter his daughter, a federal prosecutor who the Trump administration dismissed.

After listening to the judge state his rights and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, Mr Comey was asked if he understood the accusations.

"Yes your honour. Appreciate it," he told the proceedings.

Background Context

James Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was terminated about four months into Trump's first term as commander-in-chief. At the period, he was directing an examination into international campaign influence and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and the presidential campaign.

Throughout his leadership, the director sparked a negative reaction from Democrats when he announced just immediately preceding the 2016 election that he was investigating political contender Clinton's use of a private email server. Indictments against Hillary Clinton were not filed, resulting in negative feedback from conservative politicians as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Prosecutors assert the former director gave untrue statements to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 when he was being questioned about both the Clinton investigation as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They allege he misled the legislative body by stating he had not permitted an individual at the FBI to leak to media organizations information about the government examinations.

Government lawyers also allege the defendant of "wrongfully trying to affect, obstruct and impede" the legislative group by making false statements to it.

Personal Comments

In a video Mr Comey published to his online platform after he was accused, he stated he was innocent and alleged the former president of acting like a "dictator".

"We have known for a long time that there are costs to standing up to the former president," he stated. "We will not live on our knees."

"I'm innocent," he continued. "So let's have a legal proceeding."

These allegations against the former director came after the former president posted on online platforms calling for his attorney general, Ms Bondi, prosecute James Comey and other people.