James Comey Enters Not Guilty Plea in Congressional Lying Case

Former FBI director James Comey has pleaded not guilty to two charges of making false statements to lawmakers and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

His lawyer entered the plea on his behalf in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, on Wednesday morning.

Patrick Fitzgerald said he would seek to have the case dismissed for several reasons including that his client, a critic of US President Donald Trump, was being targeted.

Mr Comey was indicted a few days after Trump urged his attorney general to take action against him. After Mr Comey's lawyer requested a speedy trial, the judge set a date of January 5.

Both the prosecution and defense expected the trial to last just two or three days. In court, Mr Comey's lawyer told the judge that they planned to file several motions to dismiss, contending the prosecution was vindictive and that a US attorney had been unlawfully appointed to take over the case.

Mr Comey was fired as FBI director in 2017, about four months into Trump's term, while leading an investigation into Russian election interference and alleged links to Trump's campaign.

The federal government alleges Mr Comey lied during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 regarding an investigation into Trump's opponent Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server.

He stated he had not authorized anyone at the FBI to leak information about the investigations, a claim the Justice Department contests as false.

Prosecutors also allege Mr Comey endeavored to corruptly influence and obstruct the panel with false statements. His case, previously overseen by Erik Siebert, a Virginia prosecutor who resigned under pressure from Trump, was taken over by Lindsey Halligan, who secured the indictment shortly after her appointment.

Mr Comey appeared in good spirits during the proceedings, accompanied by family. After acknowledging the charges, he stated, I do, your honour. Thank you very much. Each charge could carry a penalty of up to five years in prison and a $200,000 fine.

The rush of the proceedings led to complaints from defense lawyers regarding inadequate access to classified evidence intended for consideration. Judge Michael Nachmanoff admonished the government for delays, emphasizing a prompt transition of information.

Having sparked political backlash during his tenure, Mr Comey remains a vocal critic of the Trump administration, asserting his innocence and accusing Trump of a tyrannical approach in a recent Instagram video.