Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey Submits Not Guilty Plea to Accusations of Misleading Lawmakers

Former Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to congressional representatives and impeding a congressional proceeding.

His attorney entered the plea on his behalf in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.

The defense lawyer stated he would try to have the legal matter thrown out for various causes including that his the accused, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being singled out.

The former director was formally accused shortly after Donald Trump pushed his chief prosecutor to move forward against him.

Court Developments

During the hearing on mid-week, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald told the court they planned to present various legal requests to dismiss the case before a legal hearing, stating the prosecution was spiteful and that a US attorney was wrongfully designated to take over the case.

James Comey's case was originally overseen by Erik Siebert, who left his position under pressure from Donald Trump after his examination into another opponent - the New York official - did not succeed to initiate prosecution.

Legal Setting

James Comey appeared in good spirits as he walked into the court on Wednesday, speaking with his legal team and being lighthearted. He was accompanied by his spouse, Mrs Failor and child Maureen Comey, a US lawyer who the previous administration dismissed.

After listening to the court state his legal protections and the pair of allegations against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, James Comey was asked if he grasped the accusations.

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

Background Context

Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was dismissed about several months into Trump's initial presidency as commander-in-chief. At the time, Mr Comey was overseeing an examination into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between Russia and the presidential campaign.

While in office, the director triggered a negative reaction from Democrats when he announced just days before the national vote that he was probing presidential nominee Clinton's use of a private email server. Indictments against Clinton were never brought, resulting in disapproval from Republicans as well.

Ongoing Accusations

The federal government allege Mr Comey gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They allege he misled the Senate by claiming he had not approved someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to release to journalistic entities information about the FBI investigations.

Government lawyers also charge the defendant of "wrongfully trying to sway, block and impede" the legislative group by providing untrue information to it.

Public Statements

In a video Mr Comey published to his Instagram after he was indicted, he declared he was not guilty and charged Trump of acting like a "autocrat".

"We have been aware for a long time that there are costs to standing up to Mr Trump," he stated. "We will not live on our knees."

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

These allegations against James Comey surfaced after Donald Trump shared on social media calling for his attorney general, Ms Bondi, prosecute James Comey and others.