🔗 Share this article

Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey has denied the charges to providing misleading information to lawmakers and hindering a congressional proceeding.

Mr Comey's attorney submitted the plea on his behalf in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

His attorney announced he would seek to have the legal matter terminated for several reasons including that his defendant, a opponent of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

James Comey was charged just days after the former president pushed his attorney general to proceed against him.

Court Developments

At the proceedings on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer the legal representative advised the magistrate they planned to present several motions to throw out the legal matter before a trial, arguing the government's case was retaliatory and that a government lawyer was improperly assigned to handle the proceedings.

James Comey's proceedings was first managed by the original attorney, who stepped down under pressure from the former president after his probe into a different rival - NY AG Letitia James - failed to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

Mr Comey came across in positive mood as he entered the court on mid-week, conversing with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was joined by his spouse, Mrs Failor and child Maureen, a government attorney who the Trump administration terminated.

Following the reading to the judge state his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, Mr Comey was asked if he comprehended the accusations.

"I do your honour. Thank you very much," he told the court.

Historical Information

Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was fired about a few months into Trump's first administration as president. At the moment, the director was directing an probe into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between Russia and Trump's campaign.

While in office, Mr Comey caused a counter-response from the Democratic party when he announced just days before the national vote that he was probing presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Charges against Hillary Clinton were never brought, resulting in negative feedback from the Republican party as well.

Present Charges

Government attorneys allege the former director lied to Congress during a legislative proceeding in 2020 when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the election interference investigation. They allege he misled the legislative body by stating he had not permitted a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to release to news outlets information about the agency probes.

Prosecutors also charge James Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, hinder and slow" the committee by providing untrue information to it.

Individual Responses

Via social media Mr Comey posted to his Instagram after he was indicted, he declared he was not guilty and accused Trump of acting like a "autocrat".

"Our household have known for years that there are consequences to challenging Donald Trump," he stated. "We choose not to live on our bended knee."

"I am not guilty," he stated further. "Therefore proceed with a trial."

The charges against Mr Comey surfaced after Donald Trump shared on online platforms demanding his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, prosecute Mr Comey and additional individuals.