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Former Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the former director has entered an innocent plea to providing misleading information to US legislators and hindering a legislative process.

His attorney entered the response acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.

The defense lawyer declared he would attempt to have the legal matter dismissed for several reasons including that his defendant, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being singled out.

James Comey was indicted just days after the former president urged his chief prosecutor to proceed against him.

Legal Proceedings

At the proceedings on mid-week, the defense counsel Mr Fitzgerald advised the magistrate they intended to file various petitions to throw out the case before a court case, arguing the legal action was vindictive and that a US attorney was improperly appointed to handle the case.

James Comey's case was first overseen by a Virginia prosecutor, who stepped down under scrutiny from Donald Trump after his probe into an additional opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - was unable to file indictments.

Judicial Environment

The former director appeared in positive mood as he walked into the court on mid-week, chatting with his legal team and sharing humor. He was supported by his partner, his wife and offspring Maureen, a federal prosecutor who the Trump administration dismissed.

After listening to the court state his constitutional guarantees and the pair of allegations against him in the courtroom on mid-week, the defendant was inquired if he understood the charges.

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

Previous Events

James Comey was the head of the FBI from four years and was dismissed about a few months into Trump's first administration as president. At the time, he was directing an investigation into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and Trump's campaign.

Throughout his leadership, James Comey triggered a negative reaction from Democrats when he stated just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was probing political contender the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Charges against the candidate were not filed, causing negative feedback from the Republican party as well.

Current Allegations

The federal government assert Mr Comey gave untrue statements to the legislature during a congressional hearing in September 2020 when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he misled the Senate by saying he had not authorized an individual at the FBI to disclose to journalistic entities information about the agency probes.

Legal representatives also allege James Comey of "improperly attempting to affect, hinder and delay" the legislative group by making false statements to it.

Public Statements

In a video the former director shared to his online platform after he was indicted, he said he was wrongly accused and accused the former president of acting like a "autocrat".

"We have been aware for a long time that there are consequences to standing up to the former president," he said. "We will not live on our bended knee."

"I have done nothing wrong," he added. "Therefore proceed with a court case."

The charges against James Comey came after the former president posted on digital channels insisting on his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, prosecute Mr Comey and others.