🔗 Share this article

Former FBI director James the former director has entered an innocent plea to providing misleading information to US legislators and obstructing a legislative process.

The former director's legal representative entered the plea representing him in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.

Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would try to have the legal matter thrown out for multiple causes including that his client, a opponent of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

Mr Comey was charged shortly after Trump pushed his attorney general to take action against him.

Court Developments

In court on mid-week, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald advised the magistrate they intended to file several petitions to terminate the proceedings before a court case, claiming the prosecution was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was wrongfully appointed to take over the proceedings.

Mr Comey's case was first managed by the original attorney, who resigned under pressure from the former president after his investigation into another political adversary - the New York official - was unable to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

The former director came across in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the courtroom on Wednesday, chatting with his attorneys and making jokes. He was supported by his wife, Mrs Failor and offspring Maureen, a US lawyer who the former government dismissed.

Following the reading to the court recite his legal protections and the pair of allegations against him in the courtroom on mid-week, James Comey was asked if he comprehended the allegations.

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

Historical Information

The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013-2017 and was dismissed about several months into Donald Trump's initial presidency as president. At the time, the director was directing an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between the Russian government and the election effort.

During his tenure, the director triggered a backlash from the Democratic party when he declared just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was examining political contender Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against Clinton were never brought, leading to criticism from the Republican party as well.

Ongoing Accusations

The federal government claim Mr Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he deceived the upper house by claiming he had not permitted a person at the agency to disclose to news outlets data about the government examinations.

Government lawyers also accuse the defendant of "corruptly endeavoring to affect, block and slow" the legislative group by providing untrue information to it.

Public Statements

Via social media Mr Comey shared to his online platform after he was charged, he declared he was innocent and charged the former president of acting like a "tyrant".

"My family and I have understood for a long time that there are costs to standing up to Mr Trump," he commented. "We will not live on our knees."

"I am not guilty," he stated further. "So let's have a legal proceeding."

These allegations against Mr Comey emerged after Donald Trump published on online platforms insisting on his attorney general, the attorney general, charge James Comey and others.