🔗 Share this article

Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the ex-FBI chief has denied the charges to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and impeding a lawmaking procedure.

The former director's lawyer submitted the plea on his behalf in a US district court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.

His attorney announced he would seek to have the proceedings dismissed for several factors including that his defendant, a critic of President Donald Trump, was being singled out.

James Comey was charged soon after Donald Trump pushed his chief prosecutor to move forward against him.

Legal Proceedings

During the hearing on mid-week, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald advised the judge they planned to file various motions to throw out the case before a trial, claiming the government's case was spiteful and that a federal prosecutor was wrongfully assigned to handle the case.

James Comey's proceedings was initially managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under pressure from Trump after his probe into a different rival - the New York official - failed to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

Mr Comey seemed in positive mood as he entered the court on Wednesday, speaking with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was supported by his spouse, Patrice Failor and daughter his daughter, a government attorney who the previous administration dismissed.

Following the reading to the magistrate read his legal protections and the two counts against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, the defendant was asked if he comprehended the charges.

"Absolutely your honour. Thank you very much," he told the court.

Historical Information

James Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was dismissed about a few months into the former president's first administration as president. At the time, Mr Comey was leading an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between Russia and the election effort.

During his tenure, the director triggered a negative reaction from Democrats when he declared just immediately preceding the national vote that he was examining Democratic candidate Clinton's use of a private email server. Charges against Clinton were not pursued, leading to criticism from the Republican party as well.

Ongoing Accusations

The federal government assert Mr Comey provided false information to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being questioned about both the Clinton investigation as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he misled the upper house by claiming he had not authorized someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to leak to news outlets data about the government examinations.

Government lawyers also accuse the defendant of "improperly attempting to affect, obstruct and slow" the panel by making false statements to it.

Public Statements

Via social media the former director posted to his online platform after he was accused, he said he was innocent and accused Donald Trump of conducting himself like a "dictator".

"We have been aware for considerable time that there are costs to opposing Donald Trump," he said. "We will not live on our bended knee."

"I'm innocent," he continued. "Therefore proceed with a legal proceeding."

The accusations against Mr Comey emerged after the former president shared on social media calling for his top legal official, Ms Bondi, take legal action against Mr Comey and others.