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Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the ex-FBI chief has entered an innocent plea to providing misleading information to lawmakers and impeding a legislative process.

The former director's attorney entered the plea acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

The defense lawyer declared he would try to have the legal matter terminated for several reasons including that his client, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being targeted.

Mr Comey was indicted shortly after Donald Trump pressured his attorney general to move forward against him.

Court Developments

During the hearing on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald told the court they aimed to submit multiple petitions to dismiss the proceedings before a court case, claiming the legal action was retaliatory and that a US attorney was improperly appointed to assume control of the case.

The former director's legal matter was initially handled by a Virginia prosecutor, who resigned under influence from the former president after his investigation into a different opponent - the New York official - did not succeed to file indictments.

Legal Setting

Mr Comey seemed in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the courtroom on Wednesday, speaking with his attorneys and making jokes. He was supported by his spouse, Patrice Failor and offspring Maureen, a government attorney who the Trump administration dismissed.

Upon hearing to the judge state his rights and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on mid-week, Mr Comey was asked if he grasped the accusations.

"Yes your honour. Thank you," he told the court.

Historical Information

Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013-2017 and was terminated about a few months into Trump's first term as national leader. At the time, the director was directing an examination into international campaign influence and whether there were any links between the Russian government and the presidential campaign.

During his tenure, the director sparked a negative reaction from Democrats when he declared just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was investigating presidential nominee Clinton's use of a personal email system. Charges against the candidate were never brought, causing criticism from the Republican party as well.

Present Charges

Government attorneys assert Mr Comey gave untrue statements to Congress during a congressional hearing in September 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the Clinton investigation as well as the Russia election probe. They allege he provided false information to the upper house by saying he had not authorized someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to release to media organizations data about the FBI investigations.

Legal representatives also allege Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to sway, hinder and impede" the legislative group by making false statements to it.

Personal Comments

Via social media the former director shared to his social media after he was charged, he said he was innocent and charged Donald Trump of behaving like a "autocrat".

"My family and I have been aware for considerable time that there are costs to opposing Mr Trump," he commented. "We choose not to live on our kneeling."

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

These allegations against the former director emerged after the former president posted on digital channels demanding his chief prosecutor, the attorney general, prosecute the former director and other people.