Former FBI Director James Comey pleaded not guilty to charges of lying to Congress, with his lawyers expected to challenge the case as politically motivated.
Former FBI Director James Comey pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to charges that he lied to Congress five years ago, a case spotlighting the Justice Department’s pursuit of figures seen as adversaries of President Donald Trump.
Comey entered the plea through his lawyer at the federal courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia. The indictment has already set the stage for a contentious legal battle.
Defense attorneys are expected to seek dismissal before trial, arguing the charges amount to a selective or vindictive prosecution.
The case adds a new dimension to ongoing debates over the politicization of federal law enforcement under Trump’s administration.