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Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the ex-FBI chief has entered an innocent plea to providing misleading information to lawmakers and impeding a legislative process.

His legal representative submitted the response acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

The defense lawyer stated he would try to have the proceedings terminated for several reasons including that his client, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being targeted.

Mr Comey was formally accused soon after Trump pressured his attorney general to proceed against him.

Legal Proceedings

At the proceedings on mid-week, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald told the judge they intended to submit multiple motions to dismiss the case before a court case, arguing the government's case was spiteful and that a federal prosecutor was unlawfully assigned to take over the legal matter.

The former director's case was initially handled by Erik Siebert, who left his position under scrutiny from Trump after his investigation into a different opponent - the New York official - was unable to bring criminal charges.

Legal Setting

James Comey came across in optimistic frame of mind as he walked into the legal venue on Wednesday, chatting with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was joined by his partner, Patrice Failor and child Maureen, a US lawyer who the previous administration dismissed.

Following the reading to the court recite his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in court on Wednesday, James Comey was inquired if he understood the charges.

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

Background Context

The former director was the FBI Director from four years and was fired about four months into Donald Trump's first administration as national leader. At the period, he was overseeing an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between Moscow and the presidential campaign.

During his tenure, Mr Comey triggered a negative reaction from the Democratic party when he stated just shortly prior to the 2016 presidential election that he was probing presidential nominee Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against Hillary Clinton were never brought, resulting in negative feedback from Republicans as well.

Present Charges

Prosecutors claim James Comey lied to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in 2020 when he was being questioned about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They say he deceived the upper house by stating he had not approved someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to release to news outlets data about the government examinations.

Government lawyers also allege the defendant of "improperly attempting to affect, obstruct and impede" the committee by making false statements to it.

Individual Responses

Via social media James Comey shared to his Instagram after he was accused, he said he was innocent and charged Trump of acting like a "autocrat".

"My family and I have been aware for considerable time that there are ramifications to opposing the former president," he commented. "We will not live on our knees."

"I have done nothing wrong," he stated further. "So let's have a court case."

These allegations against Mr Comey came after the former president posted on online platforms insisting on his top legal official, the attorney general, take legal action against Mr Comey and others.