I Lewis 'Scooter' Libby pleaded not guilty to lying to investigators probing the unmasking of a CIA agent, in the first step towards a politically explosive trial
WASHINGTON: Former top White House aide I Lewis 'Scooter' Libby pleaded not guilty on Thursday to lying to investigators probing the unmasking of a CIA agent, in the first step towards a politically explosive trial.
Vice President Dick Cheney's former chief of staff denied one count of obstruction of justice, two of perjury and two of making false statements at an arraignment hearing at the Washington District Court.
He could face a 30-year jail term if found guilty on all charges. But his lawyer said outside court that Libby, who resigned last week, wanted to clear his name, and signalled for now, at least, he would not seek a plea bargain.
"In pleading not guilty, he has declared to the world that he is innocent. He has declared that he intends to fight the charges in the indictment," Libby's newly hired crack defense lawyer Ted Wells told reporters.
"He has declared that he wants to clear his good name and he wants a jury trial. We do not intend to try this case in the press. Libby intends to clear his good name by using the judicial process."
Libby, wearing a dark suit and red tie, appeared in court on crutches because he has a broken foot, and was accompanied by his wife, Harriet Grant, a former Democratic party congressional attorney.
When asked for his plea, Libby said: "With respect your honour, I plead not guilty." The hearing lasted less than 10 minutes and Judge Reggie Walton said the case would resume on February 3.
As he left the court building, in the middle of a media scrum, Libby was heckled by one protester who shouted: "Guilty, guilty, guilty."
If the case does go to trial, it would draw massive attention because of the stakes for President George W. Bush's administration as it struggles with low ratings over the Iraq war and domestic troubles.
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