🔗 Share this article

Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the former director has denied the charges to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and impeding a congressional proceeding.

His legal representative submitted the response representing him in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

His attorney announced he would attempt to have the proceedings thrown out for various reasons including that his client, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

James Comey was charged just days after Donald Trump pressured his chief prosecutor to take action against him.

Legal Proceedings

During the hearing on mid-week, Comey's lawyer the legal representative advised the magistrate they intended to file several petitions to dismiss the proceedings before a court case, claiming the prosecution was vindictive and that a US attorney was wrongfully assigned to take over the case.

James Comey's case was initially managed by the original attorney, who left his position under pressure from Donald Trump after his probe into another political adversary - New York Attorney General Letitia James - failed to initiate prosecution.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey appeared in good spirits as he walked into the court on mid-week, conversing with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was supported by his spouse, Mrs Failor and daughter Maureen, a US lawyer who the former government recently fired.

Following the reading to the magistrate recite his rights and the two counts against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, the defendant was questioned if he understood the charges.

"Yes your honour. Thank you," he informed the court.

Previous Events

James Comey was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was fired about several months into Trump's first administration as national leader. At the moment, the director was leading an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between Russia and the presidential campaign.

During his tenure, Mr Comey sparked a counter-response from the Democratic party when he stated just shortly prior to the national vote that he was investigating Democratic candidate the candidate's use of a private email server. Legal actions against Hillary Clinton were never brought, causing criticism from Republicans as well.

Present Charges

Government attorneys allege Mr Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a congressional hearing in September 2020 when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They allege he misled the upper house by claiming he had not authorized an individual at the agency to leak to journalistic entities details about the government examinations.

Legal representatives also accuse Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to affect, obstruct and slow" the legislative group by making false statements to it.

Public Statements

Via social media James Comey posted to his social media after he was charged, he said he was wrongly accused and accused Trump of behaving like a "tyrant".

"Our household have been aware for a long time that there are costs to opposing Donald Trump," he said. "We will not live on our kneeling."

"I'm innocent," he added. "Thus initiate a trial."

The charges against the former director emerged after Trump published on online platforms demanding his top legal official, Ms Bondi, prosecute the former director and other people.