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Former FBI chief James the ex-FBI chief has entered an innocent plea to providing misleading information to congressional representatives and hindering a congressional proceeding.

Mr Comey's lawyer filed the response on his behalf in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

The defense lawyer declared he would seek to have the legal matter terminated for multiple reasons including that his defendant, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being targeted.

The former director was formally accused just days after the former president urged his top legal official to move forward against him.

Judicial Process

At the proceedings on mid-week, Comey's lawyer Patrick Fitzgerald informed the judge they planned to present several legal requests to dismiss the case before a legal hearing, stating the government's case was spiteful and that a US attorney was unlawfully appointed to handle the case.

Mr Comey's case was originally overseen by a Virginia prosecutor, who resigned under influence from Donald Trump after his investigation into an additional opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - was unable to initiate prosecution.

Judicial Environment

Mr Comey seemed in positive mood as he entered the court on mid-week, chatting with his attorneys and making jokes. He was supported by his partner, his wife and child Maureen, a government attorney who the former government terminated.

Upon hearing to the magistrate recite his rights and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, the defendant was asked if he grasped the charges.

"I do your honour. Appreciate it," he stated to the proceedings.

Historical Information

Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013-2017 and was fired about several months into Trump's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the period, Mr Comey was leading an examination into international campaign influence and whether there were any relationships between Russia and Trump's campaign.

While in office, Mr Comey sparked a backlash from Democrats when he announced just shortly prior to the 2016 presidential election that he was probing political contender Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Indictments against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, leading to disapproval from the Republican party as well.

Ongoing Accusations

The federal government allege Mr Comey gave untrue statements to the legislature during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in 2020 when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he provided false information to the upper house by saying he had not permitted an individual at the agency to disclose to journalistic entities information about the government examinations.

Prosecutors also accuse Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to influence, block and delay" the legislative group by making false statements to it.

Individual Responses

Via social media James Comey shared to his online platform after he was accused, he said he was innocent and accused Donald Trump of acting like a "dictator".

"Our household have been aware for years that there are ramifications to opposing Donald Trump," he stated. "We refuse to live on our kneeling."

"I am not guilty," he continued. "Thus initiate a trial."

These allegations against Mr Comey emerged after Trump posted on online platforms calling for his top legal official, the attorney general, take legal action against the former director and additional individuals.