Previous FBI Director James Comey Files Innocent Plea to Allegations of Misleading Congress

Former Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to congressional representatives and hindering a lawmaking procedure.

The former director's legal representative filed the plea on his behalf in a federal court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.

His attorney announced he would attempt to have the case terminated for several reasons including that his the accused, a critic of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was formally accused soon after Trump urged his top legal official to take action against him.

Legal Proceedings

In court on mid-week, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald informed the judge they planned to file multiple motions to terminate the proceedings before a legal hearing, claiming the legal action was spiteful and that a US attorney was unlawfully assigned to assume control of the proceedings.

Mr Comey's legal matter was first handled by the original attorney, who left his position under scrutiny from the former president after his examination into a different rival - New York Attorney General Letitia James - failed to bring criminal charges.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey came across in positive mood as he came into the courtroom on mid-week, chatting with his attorneys and making jokes. He was supported by his spouse, Mrs Failor and daughter his daughter, a US lawyer who the former government terminated.

After listening to the judge state his legal protections and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, Mr Comey was inquired if he grasped the accusations.

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

Background Context

James Comey was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was terminated about a few months into the former president's first term as commander-in-chief. At the moment, he was overseeing an probe into international campaign influence and whether there were any links between Russia and the election effort.

While in office, James Comey sparked a counter-response from liberal politicians when he announced just days before the 2016 presidential election that he was investigating presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Legal actions against Hillary Clinton were never brought, resulting in negative feedback from conservative politicians as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Government attorneys allege the former director provided false information to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being examined about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They say he provided false information to the Senate by claiming he had not authorized a person at the FBI to leak to news outlets data about the agency probes.

Legal representatives also allege Mr Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, block and impede" the panel by making false statements to it.

Personal Comments

Via social media the former director posted to his Instagram after he was indicted, he stated he was innocent and charged the former president of conducting himself like a "dictator".

"My family and I have been aware for years that there are ramifications to opposing Mr Trump," he stated. "We will not live on our bended knee."

"I'm innocent," he continued. "So let's have a court case."

The accusations against Mr Comey emerged after Trump shared on social media calling for his attorney general, Ms Bondi, charge Mr Comey and additional individuals.