Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation Head James Comey Submits Innocent Plea to Accusations of Lying US Legislators

Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey has denied the charges to providing misleading information to lawmakers and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

The former director's legal representative submitted the answer representing him in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

Patrick Fitzgerald announced he would seek to have the proceedings thrown out for various causes including that his defendant, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being targeted.

The former director was formally accused just days after Donald Trump pushed his top legal official to take action against him.

Legal Proceedings

During the hearing on mid-week, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald informed the magistrate they aimed to present various legal requests to throw out the proceedings before a trial, claiming the legal action was retaliatory and that a US attorney was wrongfully assigned to handle the proceedings.

James Comey's legal matter was originally handled by Erik Siebert, who resigned under scrutiny from Trump after his probe into a different political adversary - the New York official - failed to file indictments.

Judicial Environment

Mr Comey came across in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the court on Wednesday, speaking with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was joined by his partner, his wife and offspring Maureen, a government attorney who the previous administration dismissed.

Upon hearing to the magistrate recite his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, James Comey was inquired if he grasped the allegations.

"Absolutely your honour. Thank you very much," he told the proceedings.

Previous Events

James Comey was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was fired about four months into the former president's first term as commander-in-chief. At the period, he was directing an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between the Russian government and the presidential campaign.

During his tenure, James Comey sparked a backlash from liberal politicians when he announced just immediately preceding the national vote that he was investigating political contender Hillary Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Charges against Clinton were not filed, causing negative feedback from the Republican party as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Government attorneys claim Mr Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They claim he misled the legislative body by saying he had not approved a person at the agency to release to media organizations information about the agency probes.

Legal representatives also charge the defendant of "improperly attempting to sway, hinder and delay" the panel by making false statements to it.

Personal Comments

Via social media the former director published to his social media after he was charged, he stated he was innocent and accused Trump of behaving like a "autocrat".

"We have been aware for considerable time that there are consequences to opposing the former president," he commented. "We refuse to live on our bended knee."

"I am not guilty," he stated further. "Thus initiate a court case."

The accusations against Mr Comey came after Donald Trump published on online platforms calling for his top legal official, the attorney general, charge James Comey and other people.