🔗 Share this article

Former Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the ex-FBI chief has entered an innocent plea to giving untrue testimony to lawmakers and hindering a legislative process.

The former director's attorney submitted the plea on his behalf in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.

Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would try to have the case thrown out for multiple causes including that his client, a critic of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was indicted soon after the former president pressured his attorney general to move forward against him.

Court Developments

During the hearing on mid-week, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald advised the court they intended to present various motions to dismiss the case before a legal hearing, claiming the legal action was vindictive and that a government lawyer was improperly designated to take over the legal matter.

The former director's case was first overseen by Erik Siebert, who left his position under pressure from the former president after his investigation into an additional political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey appeared in positive mood as he entered the court on mid-week, speaking with his attorneys and being lighthearted. He was accompanied by his partner, Mrs Failor and offspring his daughter, a government attorney who the previous administration dismissed.

After listening to the magistrate recite his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, Mr Comey was inquired if he grasped the allegations.

"I do your honour. Thank you very much," he stated to the judge.

Previous Events

The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was terminated about four months into Donald Trump's first administration as national leader. At the period, Mr Comey was leading an probe into international campaign influence and whether there were any links between the Russian government and the presidential campaign.

Throughout his leadership, the director triggered a negative reaction from liberal politicians when he declared just days before the national vote that he was investigating political contender the candidate's use of a private email server. Legal actions against Clinton were never brought, causing disapproval from Republicans as well.

Present Charges

Prosecutors assert the former director gave untrue statements to Congress during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They allege he deceived the legislative body by claiming he had not authorized an individual at the agency to leak to journalistic entities data about the government examinations.

Legal representatives also allege Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to affect, block and delay" the committee by providing untrue information to it.

Individual Responses

Via social media James Comey posted to his Instagram after he was accused, he declared he was not guilty and alleged the former president of conducting himself like a "dictator".

"Our household have understood for considerable time that there are ramifications to standing up to Donald Trump," he commented. "We refuse to live on our bended knee."

"I am not guilty," he continued. "Thus initiate a court case."

The accusations against the former director emerged after Donald Trump posted on social media insisting on his attorney general, Ms Bondi, prosecute Mr Comey and other people.