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Previous FBI director James the former director has denied the charges to providing misleading information to US legislators and hindering a legislative process.

His attorney entered the plea acting as his counsel in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

The defense lawyer declared he would try to have the proceedings thrown out for multiple factors including that his client, a detractor of former President Trump, was being singled out.

James Comey was formally accused shortly after the former president pushed his top legal official to take action against him.

Legal Proceedings

In court on mid-week, Comey's lawyer the legal representative advised the magistrate they intended to file multiple motions to terminate the proceedings before a legal hearing, claiming the prosecution was retaliatory and that a US attorney was unlawfully assigned to take over the legal matter.

Mr Comey's proceedings was first handled by a Virginia prosecutor, who resigned under pressure from the former president after his examination into another political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

Mr Comey appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the court on mid-week, speaking with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was supported by his spouse, his wife and child Maureen, a government attorney who the previous administration dismissed.

Following the reading to the magistrate read his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, James Comey was asked if he comprehended the charges.

"I do your honour. Appreciate it," he stated to the proceedings.

Background Context

Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was terminated about a few months into Donald Trump's first term as national leader. At the moment, he was leading an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and the presidential campaign.

Throughout his leadership, the director caused a backlash from liberal politicians when he declared just immediately preceding the national vote that he was probing presidential nominee Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against Clinton were not pursued, resulting in disapproval from Republicans as well.

Present Charges

Government attorneys allege the former director lied to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he deceived the legislative body by saying he had not permitted someone at the FBI to release to journalistic entities information about the government examinations.

Government lawyers also accuse the defendant of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, hinder and delay" the panel by providing untrue information to it.

Public Statements

Through a recording the former director published to his social media after he was accused, he said he was wrongly accused and alleged Trump of conducting himself like a "dictator".

"Our household have understood for a long time that there are ramifications to opposing Mr Trump," he stated. "We choose not to live on our bended knee."

"I'm innocent," he added. "So let's have a court case."

These allegations against Mr Comey emerged after the former president published on online platforms demanding his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, charge the former director and others.