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Former FBI chief James the ex-FBI chief has entered an innocent plea to giving untrue testimony to lawmakers and hindering a lawmaking procedure.

The former director's lawyer entered the response acting as his counsel in a US district court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday morning.

The defense lawyer stated he would try to have the proceedings terminated for various causes including that his the accused, a opponent of former President Trump, was being targeted.

James Comey was charged shortly after Trump pushed his top legal official to move forward against him.

Legal Proceedings

At the proceedings on mid-week, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald informed the magistrate they planned to submit multiple petitions to dismiss the legal matter before a trial, stating the prosecution was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was wrongfully assigned to take over the proceedings.

The former director's legal matter was initially handled by Erik Siebert, who left his position under pressure from the former president after his probe into an additional rival - New York Attorney General Letitia James - failed to bring criminal charges.

Legal Setting

The former director appeared in positive mood as he came into the legal venue on Wednesday, chatting with his legal team and sharing humor. He was supported by his partner, Patrice Failor and daughter his daughter, a government attorney who the Trump administration dismissed.

Upon hearing to the magistrate recite his rights and the dual charges 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 informed the court.

Background Context

James Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was fired about four months into Donald Trump's first term as commander-in-chief. At the period, the director was leading an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between the Russian government and Trump's campaign.

While in office, Mr Comey caused a negative reaction from the Democratic party when he announced just immediately preceding the national vote that he was examining political contender the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against Clinton were not filed, resulting in criticism from Republicans as well.

Current Allegations

Government attorneys allege the former director provided false information to the legislature during a congressional hearing in 2020 when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the election interference investigation. They allege he misled the legislative body by stating he had not authorized an individual at the agency to disclose to media organizations details about the FBI investigations.

Legal representatives also allege James Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to affect, block and impede" the committee by providing untrue information to it.

Personal Comments

Through a recording Mr Comey shared to his Instagram after he was accused, he said he was wrongly accused and alleged the former president of conducting himself like a "tyrant".

"We have understood for a long time that there are consequences to standing up to Mr Trump," he stated. "We will not live on our bended knee."

"I'm innocent," he continued. "Thus initiate a trial."

The accusations against James Comey surfaced after Trump shared on social media insisting on his attorney general, Pam Bondi, take legal action against James Comey and other people.