Previous FBI Chief James Comey Submits Innocent Plea to Accusations of Falsehoods US Legislators

Former Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and obstructing a legislative process.

His legal representative filed the response representing him in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

The defense lawyer announced he would attempt to have the proceedings terminated for several reasons including that his client, a opponent of Donald Trump, was being targeted.

James Comey was indicted just days after Donald Trump pushed his top legal official to take action against him.

Legal Proceedings

During the hearing on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Patrick Fitzgerald informed the judge they aimed to submit several petitions to throw out the case before a court case, arguing the legal action was vindictive and that a government lawyer was unlawfully designated to take over the proceedings.

The former director's case was originally handled by a Virginia prosecutor, who resigned under pressure from Trump after his probe into an additional political adversary - the New York official - was unable to bring criminal charges.

Courtroom Atmosphere

The former director came across in optimistic frame of mind as he walked into the legal venue on Wednesday, chatting with his attorneys and being lighthearted. He was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Failor and child Maureen, a government attorney who the previous administration dismissed.

Upon hearing to the court state his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in court on mid-week, James Comey was inquired if he comprehended the accusations.

"Yes your honour. Thank you very much," he told the proceedings.

Previous Events

The former director was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was terminated about four months into Donald Trump's first administration as president. At the moment, the director was overseeing an probe into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between Moscow and the election effort.

While in office, the director caused a negative reaction from liberal politicians when he stated just immediately preceding the 2016 election that he was investigating presidential nominee Clinton's use of a private email server. Indictments against the candidate were not pursued, leading to disapproval from Republicans as well.

Ongoing Accusations

The federal government assert the former director gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 when he was being examined about both the previous examination as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They allege he misled the Senate by claiming he had not authorized a person at the agency to disclose to news outlets details about the government examinations.

Prosecutors also accuse the defendant of "corruptly endeavoring to sway, hinder and impede" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.

Public Statements

Via social media James Comey published to his online platform after he was accused, he stated he was innocent and alleged Trump of acting like a "tyrant".

"Our household have known for a long time that there are ramifications to opposing Donald Trump," he commented. "We will not live on our knees."

"I have done nothing wrong," he continued. "Thus initiate a court case."

These allegations against the former director came after Donald Trump posted on social media calling for his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, prosecute the former director and other people.