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Ex- FBI chief James Comey has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to congressional representatives and impeding a congressional proceeding.

The former director's attorney filed the plea representing him in a federal court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.

The defense lawyer stated he would try to have the legal matter thrown out for multiple factors including that his defendant, a critic of former President Trump, was being targeted.

James Comey was formally accused shortly after the former president urged his attorney general to move forward against him.

Judicial Process

In court on mid-week, his attorney the legal representative informed the judge they planned to file several motions to dismiss the proceedings before a court case, stating the legal action was retaliatory and that a federal prosecutor was unlawfully designated to take over the proceedings.

James Comey's case was first overseen by Erik Siebert, who resigned under influence from Donald Trump after his probe into an additional rival - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to file indictments.

Judicial Environment

James Comey came across in positive mood as he came into the legal venue on Wednesday, speaking with his legal team and making jokes. He was joined by his wife, his wife and child Maureen, a federal prosecutor who the Trump administration recently fired.

After listening to the court read his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in the courtroom on mid-week, the defendant was questioned if he comprehended the accusations.

"Yes your honour. Appreciate it," he stated to the judge.

Background Context

The former director was the FBI Director from four years and was fired about several months into the former president's first administration as president. At the period, the director was leading an examination into international campaign influence and whether there were any links between Moscow and Trump's campaign.

While in office, Mr Comey sparked a backlash from Democrats when he announced just immediately preceding the 2016 election that he was investigating political contender Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Legal actions against Clinton were not filed, causing disapproval from conservative politicians as well.

Present Charges

Prosecutors allege Mr Comey lied to US lawmakers during a congressional hearing in September 2020 when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They allege he misled the legislative body by saying he had not approved someone at the FBI to disclose to journalistic entities details about the agency probes.

Government lawyers also accuse James Comey of "wrongfully trying to influence, obstruct and slow" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.

Individual Responses

Through a recording James Comey posted to his online platform after he was indicted, he said he was not guilty and alleged Trump of conducting himself like a "tyrant".

"We have been aware for a long time that there are costs to standing up to the former president," he said. "We refuse to live on our knees."

"I'm innocent," he continued. "So let's have a legal proceeding."

These allegations against the former director came after the former president shared on social media demanding his attorney general, Pam Bondi, charge James Comey and others.