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Ex- FBI chief James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to congressional representatives and impeding a legislative process.

Mr Comey's attorney entered the response on his behalf in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

Patrick Fitzgerald announced he would seek to have the proceedings thrown out for various factors including that his defendant, a critic of Donald Trump, was being targeted.

Mr Comey was charged just days after the former president pushed his attorney general to proceed against him.

Judicial Process

In court on mid-week, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald told the magistrate they planned to present various petitions to dismiss the case before a legal hearing, claiming the prosecution was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was improperly designated to handle the case.

Mr Comey's case was first overseen by a Virginia prosecutor, who resigned under pressure from Trump after his examination into an additional political adversary - the New York official - was unable to bring criminal charges.

Judicial Environment

Mr Comey came across in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the legal venue on Wednesday, speaking with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was supported by his partner, Mrs Failor and offspring Maureen, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration terminated.

After listening to the court recite his legal protections and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, James Comey was questioned if he grasped the allegations.

"Yes your honour. Appreciate it," he told the court.

Historical Information

Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was terminated about several months into the former president's first term as commander-in-chief. At the period, he was directing an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between the Russian government and the presidential campaign.

While in office, the director caused a backlash from liberal politicians when he stated just immediately preceding the national vote that he was probing political contender Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against the candidate were never brought, resulting in negative feedback from the Republican party as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Government attorneys claim the former director gave untrue statements to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in 2020 when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the election interference investigation. They allege he misled the upper house by stating he had not approved a person at the agency to leak to news outlets data about the FBI investigations.

Prosecutors also accuse the defendant of "improperly attempting to influence, hinder and impede" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.

Public Statements

Via social media the former director shared to his social media after he was accused, he stated he was not guilty and charged the former president of conducting himself like a "tyrant".

"My family and I have known for a long time that there are ramifications to opposing Donald Trump," he commented. "We choose not to live on our knees."

"I am not guilty," he added. "Thus initiate a court case."

The accusations against the former director emerged after Donald Trump shared on digital channels demanding his attorney general, Pam Bondi, prosecute the former director and additional individuals.