Former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey Submits Innocent Plea to Allegations of Falsehoods Lawmakers

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

The former director's legal representative filed the response acting as his counsel in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

The defense lawyer stated he would try to have the legal matter terminated for multiple reasons including that his defendant, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being singled out.

James Comey was formally accused just days after Donald Trump pressured his top legal official to proceed against him.

Judicial Process

At the proceedings on Wednesday, his attorney the legal representative told the magistrate they aimed to file several motions to terminate the legal matter before a legal hearing, stating the legal action was retaliatory and that a federal prosecutor was improperly assigned to handle the legal matter.

James Comey's proceedings was first managed by the original attorney, who stepped down under influence from Trump after his investigation into another political adversary - New York Attorney General Letitia James - was unable to bring criminal charges.

Judicial Environment

The former director appeared in good spirits as he entered the court on mid-week, chatting with his legal team and making jokes. He was joined by his partner, Mrs Failor and daughter Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the former government dismissed.

Following the reading to the court state his rights and the two counts against him in court on Wednesday, Mr Comey was inquired if he understood the accusations.

"Absolutely your honour. Thank you very much," he stated to the proceedings.

Background Context

James Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013-2017 and was fired about a few months into Trump's initial presidency as national leader. At the time, the director was directing an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between Russia and the election effort.

While in office, Mr Comey sparked a backlash from liberal politicians when he declared just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was probing presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against Hillary Clinton were never brought, leading to criticism from Republicans as well.

Current Allegations

Government attorneys assert the former director lied to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the Clinton investigation as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he misled the legislative body by stating he had not approved a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to leak to media organizations data about the FBI investigations.

Legal representatives also allege the defendant of "corruptly endeavoring to affect, block and delay" the legislative group by making false statements to it.

Personal Comments

Through a recording James Comey posted to his social media after he was charged, he said he was not guilty and alleged Trump of conducting himself like a "autocrat".

"We have understood for years that there are consequences to challenging Mr Trump," he commented. "We choose not to live on our kneeling."

"I'm innocent," he stated further. "So let's have a court case."

These allegations against James Comey emerged after Trump posted on online platforms calling for his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, prosecute James Comey and additional individuals.