🔗 Share this article

Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the former director has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to US legislators and hindering a congressional proceeding.

The former director's lawyer filed the answer acting as his counsel in a federal court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.

The defense lawyer stated he would attempt to have the proceedings terminated for several reasons including that his defendant, a opponent of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

Mr Comey was charged shortly after Trump urged his chief prosecutor to move forward against him.

Judicial Process

During the hearing on mid-week, Comey's lawyer Patrick Fitzgerald told the magistrate they intended to submit several petitions to throw out the proceedings before a trial, arguing the government's case was retaliatory and that a federal prosecutor was improperly assigned to assume control of the legal matter.

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

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey appeared in good spirits as he entered the courtroom on Wednesday, speaking with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was supported by his wife, his wife and daughter Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration terminated.

Following the reading to the court read his rights and the two counts against him in court on mid-week, James Comey was inquired if he comprehended the allegations.

"Absolutely your honour. Thank you very much," he informed the judge.

Background Context

James Comey was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was dismissed about four months into Donald Trump's first administration as president. At the moment, he was leading an investigation into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between Russia and the election effort.

During his tenure, Mr Comey sparked a backlash from Democrats when he stated just days before the 2016 election that he was probing Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Charges against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, causing criticism from conservative politicians as well.

Present Charges

The federal government claim James Comey lied to the legislature during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the election interference investigation. They say he misled the upper house by saying he had not permitted a person at the FBI to release to media organizations details about the agency probes.

Legal representatives also accuse the defendant of "corruptly endeavoring to sway, block and slow" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.

Personal Comments

Via social media Mr Comey shared to his Instagram after he was indicted, he said he was wrongly accused and accused Donald Trump of behaving like a "tyrant".

"My family and I have known for considerable time that there are ramifications to challenging Mr Trump," he commented. "We choose not to live on our bended knee."

"I have done nothing wrong," he added. "Therefore proceed with a legal proceeding."

The charges against Mr Comey came after Trump published on online platforms calling for his top legal official, Ms Bondi, prosecute Mr Comey and other people.