🔗 Share this article

Ex- FBI chief James Comey has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and hindering a congressional proceeding.

The former director's attorney entered the plea on his behalf in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

The defense lawyer announced he would attempt to have the legal matter dismissed for several factors including that his client, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being targeted.

James Comey was indicted just days after the former president pushed his attorney general to take action against him.

Legal Proceedings

During the hearing on mid-week, his attorney the legal representative told the judge they aimed to submit multiple petitions to terminate the case before a trial, arguing the government's case was vindictive and that a government lawyer was improperly assigned to handle the legal matter.

The former director's case was originally handled by a Virginia prosecutor, who resigned under pressure from Trump after his probe into an additional rival - the New York official - was unable to bring criminal charges.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey seemed in positive mood as he entered the court on mid-week, speaking with his attorneys and making jokes. He was accompanied by his partner, his wife and offspring his daughter, a US lawyer who the former government recently fired.

After listening to the court read his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, the defendant was questioned if he comprehended the allegations.

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

Background Context

Mr Comey was the FBI Director from 2013 to 2017 and was fired about four months into Donald Trump's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the period, Mr Comey was overseeing an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and the presidential campaign.

While in office, James Comey sparked a negative reaction from liberal politicians when he announced just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was investigating presidential nominee the candidate's use of a private email server. Charges against Clinton were not pursued, leading to criticism from the Republican party as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Prosecutors assert James Comey lied to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in 2020 when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he deceived the upper house by saying he had not permitted an individual at the FBI to release to news outlets information about the agency probes.

Legal representatives also accuse Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to sway, obstruct and slow" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.

Public Statements

Via social media Mr Comey posted to his social media after he was indicted, he stated he was wrongly accused and accused the former president of conducting himself like a "autocrat".

"We have been aware for a long time that there are consequences to challenging Mr Trump," he stated. "We choose not to live on our kneeling."

"I have done nothing wrong," he continued. "So let's have a court case."

The accusations against the former director surfaced after Trump posted on online platforms calling for his attorney general, Pam Bondi, charge the former director and other people.