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Former Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the ex-FBI chief has entered an innocent plea to providing misleading information to US legislators and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

His lawyer entered the response on his behalf in a federal court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.

The defense lawyer stated he would attempt to have the proceedings dismissed for multiple factors including that his the accused, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being targeted.

The former director was indicted shortly after the former president urged his chief prosecutor to take action against him.

Judicial Process

In court on Wednesday, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald advised the judge they aimed to file several petitions to throw out the legal matter before a trial, claiming the prosecution was spiteful and that a US attorney was unlawfully appointed to assume control of the proceedings.

Mr Comey's legal matter was originally managed by Erik Siebert, who left his position under influence from the former president after his examination into another opponent - the New York official - failed to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

Mr Comey came across in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the courtroom on mid-week, speaking with his legal team and being lighthearted. He was accompanied by his partner, Patrice Failor and child his daughter, a government attorney who the previous administration recently fired.

After listening to the magistrate state his rights and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, James Comey was inquired if he comprehended the charges.

"I do your honour. Thank you very much," he stated to the court.

Background Context

Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was terminated about a few months into Trump's initial presidency as president. At the period, Mr Comey was leading an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between Moscow and the election effort.

While in office, Mr Comey triggered a backlash from Democrats when he announced just shortly prior to the national vote that he was probing presidential nominee the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against Clinton were never brought, leading to disapproval from Republicans as well.

Current Allegations

Prosecutors allege Mr Comey lied to Congress during a congressional hearing in 2020 when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he misled the upper house by stating he had not authorized an individual at the FBI to disclose to news outlets details about the government examinations.

Government lawyers also accuse Mr Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, hinder and delay" the legislative group by providing untrue information to it.

Public Statements

Via social media Mr Comey posted to his Instagram after he was charged, he declared he was not guilty and accused Donald Trump of conducting himself like a "autocrat".

"My family and I have understood for considerable time that there are consequences to challenging the former president," he commented. "We choose not to live on our kneeling."

"I'm innocent," he stated further. "Therefore proceed with a legal proceeding."

The accusations against Mr Comey came after Trump published on online platforms calling for his top legal official, Pam Bondi, take legal action against Mr Comey and other people.