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Previous FBI head James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to US legislators and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

Mr Comey's legal representative submitted the response on his behalf in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

Patrick Fitzgerald announced he would try to have the proceedings thrown out for various causes including that his client, a opponent of Donald Trump, was being singled out.

Mr Comey was charged just days after Trump pressured his top legal official to move forward against him.

Court Developments

At the proceedings on mid-week, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald advised the magistrate they planned to file various petitions to dismiss the case before a court case, stating the government's case was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was wrongfully designated to assume control of the legal matter.

Mr Comey's case was originally handled by a Virginia prosecutor, who stepped down under pressure from Trump after his examination into another political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to bring criminal charges.

Courtroom Atmosphere

The former director seemed in good spirits as he entered the legal venue on mid-week, conversing with his legal team and sharing humor. He was supported by his spouse, his wife and child Maureen Comey, a US lawyer who the Trump administration dismissed.

Upon hearing to the court state his legal protections and the dual charges against him in court on mid-week, Mr Comey was questioned if he comprehended the charges.

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

Historical Information

The former director was the FBI Director from four years and was fired about several months into the former president's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the time, he was overseeing an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between Russia and Trump's campaign.

While in office, James Comey triggered a counter-response from Democrats when he declared just immediately preceding the 2016 election that he was examining political contender Clinton's use of a personal email system. Charges against the candidate were not filed, resulting in disapproval from conservative politicians as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Government attorneys assert the former director gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They claim he deceived the Senate by saying he had not approved someone at the agency to leak to journalistic entities data about the agency probes.

Government lawyers also charge the defendant of "corruptly endeavoring to affect, hinder and slow" the committee by making false statements to it.

Personal Comments

Through a recording Mr Comey shared to his Instagram after he was charged, he said he was not guilty and accused the former president of acting like a "tyrant".

"Our household have known for a long time that there are costs to challenging Mr Trump," he commented. "We choose not to live on our bended knee."

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

The accusations against the former director emerged after Trump published on digital channels insisting on his chief prosecutor, the attorney general, charge the former director and other people.