Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation Chief James Comey Files Denial Plea to Charges of Misleading Congress

Previous FBI head James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to lawmakers and hindering a lawmaking procedure.

His attorney submitted the plea representing him in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would try to have the case thrown out for multiple factors including that his client, a opponent of former President Trump, was being targeted.

Mr Comey was charged shortly after the former president urged his chief prosecutor to proceed against him.

Legal Proceedings

During the hearing on Wednesday, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald advised the court they planned to submit several legal requests to terminate the legal matter before a trial, arguing the prosecution was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was wrongfully appointed to assume control of the proceedings.

Mr Comey's case was initially managed by the original attorney, who resigned under pressure from Trump after his probe into a different political adversary - New York Attorney General Letitia James - did not succeed to file indictments.

Judicial Environment

Mr Comey came across in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the court on mid-week, conversing with his attorneys and being lighthearted. He was supported by his spouse, Patrice Failor and offspring Maureen, a government attorney who the previous administration terminated.

After listening to the court recite his rights and the two counts against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, James Comey was inquired if he grasped the charges.

"I do your honour. Thank you very much," he told the judge.

Historical Information

James Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was dismissed about a few months into Trump's initial presidency as national leader. At the period, he was overseeing an probe into international campaign influence and whether there were any links between the Russian government and the election effort.

While in office, James Comey caused a negative reaction from liberal politicians when he declared just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was examining presidential nominee the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against Clinton were never brought, resulting in negative feedback from Republicans as well.

Present Charges

The federal government assert Mr Comey lied to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the Clinton investigation as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he misled the Senate by stating he had not authorized someone at the agency to leak to media organizations details about the agency probes.

Government lawyers also charge Mr Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, obstruct and impede" the legislative group by giving misleading testimony to it.

Public Statements

Through a recording the former director published to his online platform after he was indicted, he declared he was wrongly accused and alleged Trump of behaving like a "dictator".

"My family and I have known for years that there are costs to challenging Donald Trump," he stated. "We will not live on our knees."

"I'm innocent," he continued. "Thus initiate a legal proceeding."

The charges against James Comey surfaced after Trump shared on social media insisting on his chief prosecutor, Ms Bondi, prosecute Mr Comey and others.