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Former Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the former director has entered an innocent plea to making false statements to lawmakers and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

His lawyer entered the response representing him in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would try to have the proceedings dismissed for multiple reasons including that his client, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being targeted.

James Comey was formally accused soon after Donald Trump pushed his chief prosecutor to move forward against him.

Judicial Process

At the proceedings on mid-week, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald informed the judge they planned to submit various petitions to dismiss the legal matter before a legal hearing, stating the legal action was vindictive and that a US attorney was unlawfully appointed to take over the proceedings.

Mr Comey's legal matter was originally managed by the original attorney, who stepped down under scrutiny from the former president after his probe into another opponent - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to bring criminal charges.

Legal Setting

Mr Comey came across in good spirits as he came into the legal venue on Wednesday, conversing with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was joined by his wife, his wife and offspring Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration recently fired.

Following the reading to the magistrate recite his rights and the two counts against him in court on Wednesday, the defendant was inquired if he grasped the allegations.

"Yes your honour. Thank you very much," he informed the court.

Background Context

James Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was dismissed about four months into the former president's first term as commander-in-chief. At the period, the director was leading an examination into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and the presidential campaign.

Throughout his leadership, the director caused a backlash from Democrats when he stated just days before the national vote that he was investigating political contender the candidate's use of a personal email system. Indictments against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, resulting in negative feedback from conservative politicians as well.

Present Charges

Prosecutors assert James Comey gave untrue statements to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the election interference investigation. They allege he provided false information to the Senate by claiming he had not authorized an individual at the FBI to leak to journalistic entities data about the FBI investigations.

Prosecutors also allege James Comey of "improperly attempting to influence, hinder and slow" the panel by providing untrue information to it.

Public Statements

Via social media James Comey posted to his Instagram after he was accused, he said he was not guilty and alleged Donald Trump of conducting himself like a "autocrat".

"My family and I have been aware for considerable time that there are consequences to challenging Mr Trump," he stated. "We refuse to live on our kneeling."

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

The charges against James Comey came after Trump published on digital channels demanding his top legal official, Pam Bondi, prosecute the former director and others.