🔗 Share this article

Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to lawmakers and hindering a legislative process.

The former director's lawyer submitted the plea acting as his counsel in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.

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

Mr Comey was formally accused just days after the former president pushed his chief prosecutor to proceed against him.

Court Developments

At the proceedings on Wednesday, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald advised the magistrate they planned to submit multiple legal requests to dismiss the proceedings before a court case, stating the prosecution was spiteful and that a US attorney was unlawfully appointed to assume control of the proceedings.

Mr Comey's proceedings was first overseen by the original attorney, who stepped down under influence from Donald Trump after his probe into a different opponent - the New York official - failed to bring criminal charges.

Legal Setting

The former director appeared in positive mood as he walked into the courtroom on mid-week, chatting with his attorneys and making jokes. He was accompanied by his partner, Mrs Failor and offspring his daughter, a US lawyer who the Trump administration dismissed.

Upon hearing to the judge recite his legal protections and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, James Comey was inquired if he grasped the accusations.

"Yes your honour. Thank you," he told the judge.

Background Context

The former director was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was fired about several months into Donald Trump's first administration as national leader. At the period, the director was overseeing an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between the Russian government and the election effort.

During his tenure, the director sparked a negative reaction from the Democratic party when he stated just shortly prior to the 2016 presidential election that he was probing Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Legal actions against Clinton were not filed, resulting in negative feedback from conservative politicians as well.

Current Allegations

Government attorneys allege James Comey lied to Congress during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being examined about both the previous examination as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he deceived the Senate by claiming he had not approved a person at the FBI to leak to news outlets data about the agency probes.

Government lawyers also allege James Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, hinder and delay" the committee by providing untrue information to it.

Personal Comments

Via social media Mr Comey posted to his Instagram after he was charged, he declared he was innocent and accused Donald Trump of conducting himself like a "autocrat".

"Our household have been aware for years that there are consequences to challenging Donald Trump," he commented. "We refuse to live on our kneeling."

"I'm innocent," he stated further. "Therefore proceed with a court case."

These allegations against James Comey came after Donald Trump shared on online platforms calling for his chief prosecutor, Ms Bondi, prosecute the former director and others.