🔗 Share this article

Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James Comey has denied the charges to making false statements to congressional representatives and obstructing a lawmaking procedure.

Mr Comey's lawyer entered the answer representing him in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.

Patrick Fitzgerald announced he would attempt to have the case thrown out for multiple reasons including that his defendant, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being singled out.

Mr Comey was charged shortly after Donald Trump urged his attorney general to take action against him.

Court Developments

In court on Wednesday, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald informed the judge they aimed to file various motions to throw out the case before a legal hearing, arguing the legal action was spiteful and that a federal prosecutor was unlawfully assigned to handle the case.

Mr Comey's proceedings was first overseen by Erik Siebert, who resigned under scrutiny from Donald Trump after his investigation into another opponent - NY AG Letitia James - failed to initiate prosecution.

Legal Setting

James Comey seemed in optimistic frame of mind as he walked into the court on Wednesday, conversing with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was accompanied by his spouse, his wife and offspring Maureen Comey, a US lawyer who the Trump administration dismissed.

After listening to the court state his rights and the dual charges against him in court on mid-week, the defendant was inquired if he grasped the accusations.

"Yes your honour. Appreciate it," he informed the court.

Background Context

The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was dismissed about several months into Donald Trump's first administration as president. At the period, he was leading an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and the presidential campaign.

During his tenure, the director caused a negative reaction from Democrats when he stated just days before the 2016 presidential election that he was examining political contender Clinton's use of a personal email system. Indictments against the candidate were not pursued, leading to negative feedback from Republicans as well.

Current Allegations

The federal government assert the former director 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 Russia election probe. They claim he provided false information to the legislative body by stating he had not approved someone at the agency to disclose to journalistic entities information about the government examinations.

Legal representatives also charge Mr Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, obstruct and delay" the legislative group by making false statements to it.

Public Statements

In a video the former director posted to his online platform after he was accused, he stated he was wrongly accused and accused the former president of conducting himself like a "dictator".

"My family and I have been aware for a long time that there are consequences to challenging Mr Trump," he said. "We choose not to live on our bended knee."

"I'm innocent," he continued. "Therefore proceed with a court case."

The accusations against James Comey emerged after the former president posted on digital channels calling for his chief prosecutor, Ms Bondi, prosecute James Comey and additional individuals.