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Former Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the former director has entered an innocent plea to providing misleading information to lawmakers and impeding a legislative process.

His legal representative submitted the plea on his behalf in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

His attorney stated he would seek to have the case terminated for multiple factors including that his client, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being targeted.

Mr Comey was formally accused just days after Donald Trump pushed his chief prosecutor to move forward against him.

Court Developments

At the proceedings on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer the legal representative informed the judge they intended to submit several petitions to throw out the legal matter before a legal hearing, stating the prosecution was retaliatory and that a federal prosecutor was unlawfully appointed to assume control of the legal matter.

The former director's legal matter was originally overseen by Erik Siebert, who stepped down under scrutiny from Trump after his probe into a different political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - failed to bring criminal charges.

Judicial Environment

Mr Comey appeared in positive mood as he entered the courtroom on mid-week, chatting with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was joined by his wife, Patrice Failor and child Maureen Comey, a US lawyer who the previous administration terminated.

Upon hearing to the magistrate state his rights and the dual charges against him in court on Wednesday, the defendant was asked if he understood the allegations.

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

Historical Information

The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013-2017 and was fired about four months into Donald Trump's initial presidency as president. At the time, Mr Comey was overseeing an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between Russia and the election effort.

While in office, James Comey triggered a counter-response from the Democratic party when he announced just days before the 2016 election that he was probing Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, leading to negative feedback from conservative politicians as well.

Ongoing Accusations

The federal government claim the former director lied to the legislature during a congressional hearing in 2020 when he was being examined about both the Clinton investigation as well as the Russia election probe. They allege he misled the Senate by claiming he had not permitted a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to media organizations data about the government examinations.

Government lawyers also charge Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to influence, hinder and delay" the legislative group by making false statements to it.

Public Statements

Through a recording James Comey shared to his online platform after he was accused, he stated he was not guilty and alleged the former president of behaving like a "tyrant".

"We have understood for years that there are consequences to opposing Mr Trump," he said. "We will not live on our bended knee."

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

The accusations against Mr Comey emerged after the former president shared on online platforms calling for his attorney general, Pam Bondi, charge James Comey and additional individuals.