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Former Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the former director has entered an innocent plea to making false statements to congressional representatives and obstructing a legislative process.

Mr Comey's legal representative entered the response on his behalf in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

His attorney announced he would seek to have the proceedings thrown out for various factors including that his the accused, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was charged shortly after Donald Trump pressured his attorney general to take action against him.

Legal Proceedings

At the proceedings on mid-week, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald told the judge they planned to present multiple petitions to dismiss the case before a trial, stating the legal action was spiteful and that a federal prosecutor was unlawfully designated to assume control of the legal matter.

The former director's case was first managed by Erik Siebert, who resigned under pressure from the former president after his examination into a different political adversary - the New York official - was unable to file indictments.

Legal Setting

Mr Comey came across in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the court on Wednesday, chatting with his attorneys and being lighthearted. He was accompanied by his wife, his wife and daughter Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the former government terminated.

After listening to the magistrate state his rights and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, the defendant was asked if he comprehended the charges.

"Absolutely your honour. Thank you very much," he informed the court.

Previous Events

James Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was terminated about a few months into Trump's initial presidency as president. At the time, he was leading an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between Russia and the election effort.

While in office, the director caused a counter-response from the Democratic party when he stated just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was probing Democratic candidate Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Charges against the candidate were not pursued, resulting in negative feedback from conservative politicians as well.

Ongoing Accusations

The federal government claim James Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a congressional hearing in September 2020 when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the election interference investigation. They claim he misled the Senate by stating he had not approved a person at the agency to release to journalistic entities details about the government examinations.

Legal representatives also accuse James Comey of "improperly attempting to influence, obstruct and slow" the committee by providing untrue information to it.

Personal Comments

In a video James Comey published to his social media after he was indicted, he said he was innocent and charged the former president of conducting himself like a "tyrant".

"My family and I have understood for a long time that there are costs to opposing the former president," he said. "We will not live on our knees."

"I am not guilty," he added. "Therefore proceed with a trial."

The accusations against the former director came after the former president shared on online platforms demanding his attorney general, Pam Bondi, take legal action against Mr Comey and others.