🔗 Share this article

Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey has denied the charges to making false statements to congressional representatives and hindering a congressional proceeding.

Mr Comey's lawyer submitted the answer acting as his counsel in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

His attorney declared he would attempt to have the legal matter dismissed for multiple reasons including that his the accused, a detractor of former President Trump, was being singled out.

The former director was indicted just days after Trump pushed his top legal official to proceed against him.

Judicial Process

At the proceedings on mid-week, Comey's lawyer the legal representative told the magistrate they intended to file multiple legal requests to dismiss the case before a trial, claiming the legal action was retaliatory and that a US attorney was wrongfully appointed to take over the legal matter.

James Comey's case was first managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who resigned under influence from Trump after his investigation into a different political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to file indictments.

Legal Setting

James Comey seemed in positive mood as he entered the courtroom on Wednesday, speaking with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was supported by his partner, his wife and daughter Maureen, a US lawyer who the previous administration terminated.

Following the reading to the magistrate recite his rights and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, Mr Comey was inquired if he comprehended the accusations.

"Yes your honour. Thank you," he stated to the judge.

Historical Information

Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was terminated about a few months into Donald Trump's first term as commander-in-chief. At the time, he was directing an investigation into international campaign influence and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and Trump's campaign.

Throughout his leadership, the director triggered a backlash from liberal politicians when he announced just days before the 2016 presidential election that he was examining Democratic candidate Clinton's use of a personal email system. Indictments against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, resulting in negative feedback from conservative politicians as well.

Current Allegations

The federal government allege Mr Comey provided false information to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in 2020 when he was being questioned about both the Clinton investigation as well as the Russia election probe. They allege he provided false information to the Senate by claiming he had not authorized an individual at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to news outlets details about the government examinations.

Prosecutors also charge the defendant of "corruptly endeavoring to affect, block and impede" the committee by providing untrue information to it.

Individual Responses

Through a recording the former director posted to his social media after he was accused, he said he was wrongly accused and alleged Donald Trump of behaving like a "autocrat".

"Our household have been aware for years that there are consequences to challenging Mr Trump," he commented. "We refuse to live on our bended knee."

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

These allegations against Mr Comey emerged after the former president posted on social media insisting on his top legal official, Ms Bondi, charge James Comey and other people.