Ex- FBI Chief James Comey Files Not Guilty Plea to Accusations of Misleading Congress

Former FBI chief James the former director has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and impeding a legislative process.

The former director's legal representative submitted the plea representing him in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.

His attorney announced he would attempt to have the legal matter thrown out for several causes including that his the accused, a opponent of Donald Trump, was being targeted.

James Comey was formally accused shortly after Trump pressured his top legal official to take action against him.

Court Developments

In court on mid-week, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald advised the court they planned to submit various petitions to dismiss the proceedings before a legal hearing, arguing the legal action was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was wrongfully assigned to take over the proceedings.

James Comey's case was first handled by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under scrutiny from Donald Trump after his investigation into another political adversary - the New York official - was unable to initiate prosecution.

Judicial Environment

The former director came across in positive mood as he came into the legal venue on Wednesday, speaking with his legal team and making jokes. He was joined by his wife, Mrs Failor and child Maureen Comey, a US lawyer who the former government dismissed.

Following the reading to the magistrate state his legal protections and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, the defendant was asked if he understood the charges.

"Yes your honour. Thank you," he informed the judge.

Previous Events

The former director was the FBI Director from four years and was fired about several months into Trump's first administration as national leader. At the time, Mr Comey was overseeing an probe into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between Russia and the presidential campaign.

During his tenure, James Comey triggered a backlash from Democrats when he announced just shortly prior to the 2016 presidential election that he was examining political contender the candidate's use of a personal email system. Charges against the candidate were not filed, leading to negative feedback from the Republican party as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Prosecutors claim Mr Comey gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a congressional hearing in September 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They claim he deceived the legislative body by stating he had not approved an individual at the FBI to release to journalistic entities data about the FBI investigations.

Government lawyers also accuse Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to affect, hinder and slow" the panel by making false statements to it.

Individual Responses

Through a recording the former director posted to his social media after he was indicted, he declared he was not guilty and alleged Donald Trump of acting like a "dictator".

"We have known for years that there are consequences to opposing the former president," he said. "We will not live on our knees."

"I'm innocent," he stated further. "Thus initiate a court case."

The charges against the former director surfaced after the former president posted on online platforms insisting on his top legal official, Ms Bondi, charge the former director and other people.