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Former FBI chief James the former director has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to lawmakers and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

His legal representative submitted the response on his behalf in a federal court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.

The defense lawyer stated he would try to have the case terminated for several reasons including that his the accused, a detractor of former President Trump, was being singled out.

James Comey was formally accused just days after Donald Trump pushed his top legal official to take action against him.

Judicial Process

In court on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Patrick Fitzgerald advised the magistrate they planned to submit various petitions to throw out the case before a trial, arguing the government's case was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was improperly appointed to handle the proceedings.

James Comey's legal matter was first overseen by the original attorney, who resigned under influence from the former president after his investigation into another political adversary - New York Attorney General Letitia James - did not succeed to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

The former director seemed in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the court on mid-week, chatting with his legal team and sharing humor. He was joined by his spouse, Patrice Failor and daughter Maureen, a government attorney who the Trump administration recently fired.

After listening to the magistrate state his legal protections and the dual charges against him in court on mid-week, the defendant was questioned if he understood the accusations.

"Yes your honour. Appreciate it," he stated to the judge.

Historical Information

The former director was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was terminated about four months into Donald Trump's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the moment, the director was leading an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between the Russian government and the presidential campaign.

While in office, the director sparked a backlash from the Democratic party when he declared just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was examining Democratic candidate Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against Clinton were not pursued, causing negative feedback from the Republican party as well.

Present Charges

Prosecutors assert the former director provided false information to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in September 2020 when he was being questioned about both the previous examination as well as the Russia election probe. They allege he misled the legislative body by stating he had not authorized someone at the agency to disclose to journalistic entities information about the FBI investigations.

Government lawyers also accuse Mr Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to affect, hinder and slow" the committee by providing untrue information to it.

Personal Comments

In a video James Comey published to his social media after he was accused, he stated he was innocent and alleged Trump of conducting himself like a "autocrat".

"We have been aware for a long time that there are costs to opposing Mr Trump," he commented. "We refuse to live on our knees."

"I am not guilty," he stated further. "So let's have a court case."

The charges against the former director came after the former president published on online platforms insisting on his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, take legal action against the former director and additional individuals.