🔗 Share this article

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

His attorney submitted the answer acting as his counsel in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

Patrick Fitzgerald stated he would attempt to have the case dismissed for multiple factors including that his defendant, a detractor of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

James Comey was formally accused shortly after Trump pushed his chief prosecutor to move forward against him.

Legal Proceedings

During the hearing on mid-week, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald advised the court they intended to file several petitions to throw out the legal matter before a court case, stating the prosecution was vindictive and that a government lawyer was improperly designated to assume control of the case.

James Comey's proceedings was originally managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who stepped down under scrutiny from Donald Trump after his investigation into an additional political adversary - the New York official - failed to initiate prosecution.

Legal Setting

Mr Comey came across in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the court on Wednesday, speaking with his attorneys and being lighthearted. He was accompanied by his spouse, his wife and offspring Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the previous administration dismissed.

Upon hearing to the judge state his legal protections and the dual charges against him in court on Wednesday, James Comey was asked if he grasped the allegations.

"I do your honour. Thank you," he told the proceedings.

Background Context

Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was terminated about a few months into the former president's initial presidency as national leader. At the time, the director was overseeing an probe into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between Russia and the election effort.

Throughout his leadership, the director triggered a backlash from liberal politicians when he declared just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was investigating presidential nominee the candidate's use of a personal email system. Legal actions against the candidate were never brought, causing negative feedback from Republicans as well.

Present Charges

The federal government allege James Comey provided false information to the legislature during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he provided false information to the legislative body by saying he had not authorized a person at the FBI to leak to media organizations details about the agency probes.

Government lawyers also charge James Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to sway, block and delay" the legislative group by making false statements to it.

Public Statements

In a video Mr Comey published to his social media after he was charged, he stated he was wrongly accused and charged the former president of behaving like a "autocrat".

"Our household have known for years that there are costs to standing up to the former president," he said. "We refuse to live on our kneeling."

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

These allegations against the former director emerged after Donald Trump shared on social media calling for his chief prosecutor, Ms Bondi, charge the former director and others.