🔗 Share this article

Former FBI director James the former director has denied the charges to making false statements to lawmakers and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

His attorney entered the response acting as his counsel in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

His attorney declared he would try to have the proceedings dismissed for various reasons including that his defendant, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was charged just days after Trump pushed his attorney general to proceed against him.

Judicial Process

At the proceedings on mid-week, his attorney the legal representative told the magistrate they planned to file several legal requests to throw out the legal matter before a legal hearing, arguing the government's case was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was improperly designated to handle the proceedings.

The former director's case was initially managed by Erik Siebert, who stepped down under scrutiny from Trump after his investigation into an additional opponent - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to initiate prosecution.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey came across in positive mood as he entered the court on mid-week, speaking with his attorneys and making jokes. He was joined by his partner, Patrice Failor and child Maureen, a government attorney who the previous administration dismissed.

After listening to the judge recite his legal protections and the two counts against him in the courtroom on mid-week, James Comey was asked if he understood the charges.

"I do your honour. Appreciate it," he stated to the court.

Previous Events

The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was fired about a few months into Donald Trump's first term as commander-in-chief. At the moment, he was directing an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between Moscow and the election effort.

While in office, the director triggered a negative reaction from liberal politicians when he announced just immediately preceding the national vote that he was investigating political contender Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against Hillary Clinton were not filed, causing negative feedback from the Republican party as well.

Present Charges

The federal government allege James Comey lied to Congress during a congressional hearing in 2020 when he was being questioned about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They allege he misled the upper house by stating he had not approved someone at the FBI to disclose to journalistic entities data about the FBI investigations.

Government lawyers also charge Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to sway, obstruct and delay" the committee by making false statements to it.

Individual Responses

Via social media the former director shared to his online platform after he was accused, he stated he was not guilty and alleged Donald Trump of acting like a "tyrant".

"We have been aware for years that there are ramifications to standing up to the former president," he said. "We refuse to live on our kneeling."

"I am not guilty," he continued. "Thus initiate a legal proceeding."

These allegations against Mr Comey came after Trump posted on digital channels insisting on his top legal official, Pam Bondi, charge Mr Comey and other people.