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Former FBI chief James the former director has entered an innocent plea to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

His lawyer entered the plea representing him in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.

His attorney announced he would seek to have the proceedings thrown out for several reasons including that his client, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being singled out.

James Comey was formally accused soon after the former president pressured his attorney general to take action against him.

Court Developments

During the hearing on Wednesday, the defense counsel Mr Fitzgerald informed the judge they aimed to file multiple motions to terminate the case before a trial, claiming the government's case was vindictive and that a US attorney was wrongfully appointed to take over the case.

James Comey's proceedings was initially handled by Erik Siebert, who stepped down under scrutiny from Trump after his probe into another rival - NY AG Letitia James - failed to bring criminal charges.

Legal Setting

James Comey seemed in good spirits as he entered the courtroom on mid-week, speaking with his legal team and being lighthearted. He was joined by his wife, Mrs Failor and daughter his daughter, a US lawyer who the previous administration recently fired.

Upon hearing to the court recite his rights and the two counts against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, James Comey was questioned if he comprehended the accusations.

"Absolutely your honour. Thank you very much," he told the proceedings.

Historical Information

The former director was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about four months into Trump's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the time, the director was directing an probe into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between Russia and the presidential campaign.

Throughout his leadership, Mr Comey triggered a negative reaction from the Democratic party when he declared just shortly prior to the 2016 presidential election that he was probing political contender Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Indictments against Hillary Clinton were never brought, causing disapproval from conservative politicians as well.

Present Charges

The federal government assert James Comey gave untrue statements to US lawmakers 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 misled the legislative body by stating he had not approved someone at the FBI to release to media organizations data about the FBI investigations.

Legal representatives also accuse the defendant of "corruptly endeavoring to affect, hinder and impede" the legislative group by making false statements to it.

Individual Responses

Through a recording the former director posted to his online platform after he was accused, he said he was innocent and accused Donald Trump of acting like a "autocrat".

"Our household have understood for years that there are ramifications to challenging the former president," he said. "We refuse to live on our knees."

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

These allegations against James Comey surfaced after Donald Trump published on online platforms insisting on his top legal official, Ms Bondi, charge the former director and other people.