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Former FBI head James the former director has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to US legislators and obstructing a lawmaking procedure.

The former director's legal representative entered the plea representing him in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.

Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would try to have the case terminated for several reasons including that his client, a critic of former President Trump, was being targeted.

Mr Comey was indicted soon after Trump urged his chief prosecutor to proceed against him.

Judicial Process

During the hearing on mid-week, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald informed the judge they intended to file multiple motions to throw out the case before a legal hearing, arguing the government's case was spiteful and that a federal prosecutor was improperly appointed to assume control of the proceedings.

Mr Comey's case was initially handled by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under scrutiny from Trump after his probe into a different political adversary - New York Attorney General Letitia James - failed to file indictments.

Legal Setting

James Comey seemed in good spirits as he entered the legal venue on mid-week, chatting with his lawyers and making jokes. He was supported by his wife, Mrs Failor and child Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the former government terminated.

Following the reading to the judge read his rights and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, the defendant was questioned if he grasped the charges.

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

Background Context

James Comey was the FBI Director from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about a few months into Donald Trump's first administration as president. At the period, Mr Comey was overseeing an examination into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and the presidential campaign.

While in office, Mr Comey sparked a counter-response from the Democratic party when he declared just days before the national vote that he was probing presidential nominee the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against Clinton were never brought, leading to negative feedback from conservative politicians as well.

Present Charges

The federal government allege James Comey gave untrue statements to Congress during a congressional hearing in 2020 when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he provided false information to the upper house by saying he had not authorized an individual at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to journalistic entities data about the government examinations.

Legal representatives also charge the defendant of "improperly attempting to sway, hinder and delay" the panel by providing untrue information to it.

Personal Comments

In a video James Comey published to his Instagram after he was indicted, he said he was innocent and alleged Trump of conducting himself like a "tyrant".

"We have been aware for years that there are costs to challenging the former president," he commented. "We will not live on our knees."

"I am not guilty," he continued. "Therefore proceed with a legal proceeding."

The accusations against Mr Comey emerged after Donald Trump shared on social media demanding his attorney general, Pam Bondi, charge the former director and others.