🔗 Share this article

Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the ex-FBI chief has denied the charges to providing misleading information to US legislators and hindering a lawmaking procedure.

His lawyer entered the answer on his behalf in a US district court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.

The defense lawyer stated he would seek to have the case thrown out for various factors including that his client, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

Mr Comey was formally accused soon after Trump pushed his top legal official to proceed against him.

Legal Proceedings

In court on Wednesday, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald told the judge they aimed to present several legal requests to throw out the proceedings before a trial, stating the government's case was retaliatory and that a federal prosecutor was improperly appointed to assume control of the case.

The former director's case was first handled by the original attorney, who left his position under influence from Trump after his probe into an additional political adversary - New York Attorney General Letitia James - did not succeed to bring criminal charges.

Judicial Environment

The former director appeared in good spirits as he came into the courtroom on mid-week, speaking with his attorneys and making jokes. He was supported by his spouse, his wife and child his daughter, a government attorney who the Trump administration dismissed.

Following the reading to the court read his legal protections and the two counts against him in the courtroom on mid-week, Mr Comey was inquired if he comprehended the charges.

"I do your honour. Thank you," he stated to the court.

Background Context

James Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was fired about four months into Trump's first term as commander-in-chief. At the moment, he was directing an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between the Russian government and Trump's campaign.

During his tenure, James Comey triggered a counter-response from the Democratic party when he declared just immediately preceding the national vote that he was probing Democratic candidate Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against Clinton were not filed, resulting in criticism from Republicans as well.

Ongoing Accusations

The federal government allege James Comey provided false information to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in 2020 when he was being questioned about both the previous examination as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he provided false information to the legislative body by claiming he had not approved someone at the FBI to disclose to media organizations data about the FBI investigations.

Government lawyers also charge James Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, obstruct and slow" the panel by making false statements to it.

Public Statements

Through a recording James Comey shared to his online platform after he was indicted, he declared he was innocent and alleged Donald Trump of acting like a "tyrant".

"We have known for years that there are consequences to challenging Mr Trump," he commented. "We choose not to live on our knees."

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

The charges against James Comey came after Donald Trump published on online platforms calling for his attorney general, Pam Bondi, prosecute Mr Comey and others.