🔗 Share this article

Previous FBI director James Comey has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to congressional representatives and hindering a legislative process.

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

The defense lawyer stated he would attempt to have the legal matter terminated for various factors including that his the accused, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

James Comey was indicted just days after Donald Trump pressured his attorney general to proceed against him.

Legal Proceedings

At the proceedings on mid-week, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald advised the court they planned to submit multiple motions to throw out the proceedings before a court case, claiming the prosecution was retaliatory and that a federal prosecutor was unlawfully assigned to take over the legal matter.

James Comey's case was initially managed by the original attorney, who left his position under scrutiny from the former president after his probe into a different rival - NY AG Letitia James - failed to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey came across in positive mood as he came into the legal venue on mid-week, conversing with his lawyers and making jokes. He was accompanied by his wife, Patrice Failor and offspring Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the Trump administration dismissed.

Upon hearing to the magistrate read his rights and the two counts against him in court on Wednesday, Mr Comey was inquired if he grasped the charges.

"I do your honour. Appreciate it," he told the proceedings.

Historical Information

Mr Comey was the FBI Director from 2013 to 2017 and was terminated about several months into the former president's initial presidency as national leader. At the period, he was directing an probe into Russian election interference and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and Trump's campaign.

While in office, the director caused a backlash from liberal politicians when he announced just days before the 2016 presidential election that he was examining political contender the candidate's use of a private email server. Charges against the candidate were not pursued, causing criticism from conservative politicians as well.

Present Charges

Prosecutors allege the former director provided false information to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the previous examination as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he misled the upper house by stating he had not permitted a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to news outlets information about the agency probes.

Prosecutors also allege James Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to sway, hinder and slow" the committee by making false statements to it.

Personal Comments

Via social media James Comey shared to his social media after he was charged, he said he was not guilty and accused Donald Trump of acting like a "autocrat".

"My family and I have known for considerable time that there are costs to opposing Donald Trump," he stated. "We will not live on our kneeling."

"I have done nothing wrong," he continued. "Thus initiate a legal proceeding."

The accusations against James Comey emerged after the former president posted on online platforms demanding his attorney general, Ms Bondi, take legal action against the former director and others.