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Former FBI director James Comey has entered an innocent plea to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and hindering a legislative process.

His lawyer filed the response on his behalf in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.

The defense lawyer declared he would seek to have the proceedings terminated for several reasons including that his the accused, a critic of Donald Trump, was being targeted.

Mr Comey was charged just days after the former president pressured his chief prosecutor to proceed against him.

Legal Proceedings

In court on Wednesday, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald advised the magistrate they planned to submit multiple petitions to dismiss the legal matter before a court case, stating the legal action was retaliatory and that a US attorney was unlawfully assigned to handle the case.

James Comey's proceedings was first managed by Erik Siebert, who stepped down under influence from the former president after his examination into a different opponent - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to file indictments.

Judicial Environment

James Comey came across in positive mood as he entered the legal venue on mid-week, conversing with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was joined by his spouse, Patrice Failor and offspring Maureen Comey, a US lawyer who the former government dismissed.

Following the reading to the judge state his legal protections and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, James Comey was questioned if he understood the allegations.

"Absolutely your honour. Appreciate it," he told the proceedings.

Historical Information

The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was terminated about a few months into Donald Trump's first term as president. At the moment, Mr Comey was directing an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between Moscow and the election effort.

While in office, James Comey triggered a backlash from liberal politicians when he announced just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was investigating political contender Clinton's use of a personal email system. Legal actions against Clinton were never brought, causing criticism from Republicans as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Government attorneys allege the former director provided false information to Congress during a legislative proceeding in September 2020 when he was being questioned about both the Clinton investigation as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he deceived the Senate by claiming he had not permitted an individual at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to release to news outlets information about the government examinations.

Legal representatives also allege the defendant of "improperly attempting to affect, obstruct and impede" the legislative group by making false statements to it.

Personal Comments

Through a recording James Comey shared to his social media after he was indicted, he declared he was not guilty and alleged the former president of conducting himself like a "autocrat".

"We have been aware for considerable time that there are ramifications to challenging the former president," he stated. "We will not live on our knees."

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

The accusations against Mr Comey emerged after the former president shared on digital channels insisting on his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, charge the former director and other people.