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Former FBI chief James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to US legislators and hindering a lawmaking procedure.

Mr Comey's legal representative entered the answer on his behalf in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

The defense lawyer stated he would try to have the proceedings thrown out for multiple reasons including that his defendant, a opponent of former President Trump, was being singled out.

James Comey was indicted soon after Trump pressured his attorney general to take action against him.

Judicial Process

In court on Wednesday, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald informed the judge they intended to submit several motions to throw out the legal matter before a legal hearing, arguing the prosecution was vindictive and that a US attorney was unlawfully assigned to take over the case.

The former director's legal matter was originally overseen by Erik Siebert, who left his position under influence from the former president after his investigation into a different opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - was unable to initiate prosecution.

Courtroom Atmosphere

The former director seemed in good spirits as he entered the courtroom on Wednesday, speaking with his legal team and sharing humor. He was joined by his wife, Mrs Failor and offspring Maureen Comey, a US lawyer who the Trump administration recently fired.

Upon hearing to the court state his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in the courtroom on mid-week, Mr Comey was inquired if he comprehended the allegations.

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

Background Context

Mr Comey was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was terminated about several months into Donald Trump's initial presidency as national leader. At the time, the director was directing an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and Trump's campaign.

During his tenure, Mr Comey triggered a backlash from Democrats when he stated just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was examining political contender Clinton's use of a personal email system. Charges against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, leading to disapproval from conservative politicians as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Prosecutors claim James Comey gave untrue statements to Congress during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being examined about both the previous examination as well as the election interference investigation. They say he misled the legislative body by stating he had not authorized a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to release to news outlets data about the government examinations.

Government lawyers also charge James Comey of "wrongfully trying to sway, obstruct and delay" the legislative group by giving misleading testimony to it.

Personal Comments

Via social media the former director published to his Instagram after he was charged, he said he was innocent and accused the former president of acting like a "tyrant".

"Our household have understood for years that there are ramifications to opposing the former president," he stated. "We choose not to live on our bended knee."

"I have done nothing wrong," he added. "Thus initiate a trial."

The charges against Mr Comey emerged after Trump posted on social media calling for his attorney general, the attorney general, take legal action against Mr Comey and other people.