Previous FBI Head James Comey Files Not Guilty Plea to Charges of Misleading Lawmakers

Ex- FBI head James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to lawmakers and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

Mr Comey's legal representative filed the plea representing him in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

His attorney announced he would seek to have the case terminated for several reasons including that his the accused, a detractor of former President Trump, was being targeted.

The former director was charged shortly after the former president urged his chief prosecutor to move forward against him.

Judicial Process

At the proceedings on mid-week, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald informed the judge they intended to submit several petitions to throw out the legal matter before a legal hearing, claiming the legal action was vindictive and that a US attorney was improperly designated to take over the legal matter.

James Comey's legal matter was first managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who stepped down under influence from Donald Trump after his investigation into a different rival - the New York official - failed to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

The former director seemed in positive mood as he entered the courtroom on mid-week, chatting with his legal team and being lighthearted. He was supported by his partner, Patrice Failor and offspring Maureen, a US lawyer who the former government dismissed.

Following the reading to the magistrate state his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in court on mid-week, Mr Comey was asked if he grasped the allegations.

"Yes your honour. Thank you," he stated to the judge.

Background Context

Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about four months into Donald Trump's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the time, Mr Comey was leading an probe into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and Trump's campaign.

While in office, James Comey triggered a negative reaction from Democrats when he stated just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was examining Democratic candidate Clinton's use of a private email server. Charges against Hillary Clinton were not filed, leading to disapproval from the Republican party as well.

Current Allegations

Prosecutors allege James Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in September 2020 when he was being examined about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They allege he deceived the upper house by claiming he had not approved someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to leak to news outlets information about the agency probes.

Legal representatives also accuse James Comey of "improperly attempting to sway, obstruct and slow" the panel by making false statements to it.

Personal Comments

Through a recording the former director published to his online platform after he was charged, he said he was not guilty and alleged Donald Trump of acting like a "tyrant".

"We have been aware for considerable time that there are consequences to opposing Mr Trump," he said. "We choose not to live on our kneeling."

"I am not guilty," he continued. "So let's have a legal proceeding."

The accusations against James Comey surfaced after Trump shared on online platforms insisting on his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, prosecute James Comey and additional individuals.