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Ex- FBI head James Comey has entered an innocent plea to providing misleading information to US legislators and hindering a lawmaking procedure.

The former director's attorney filed the plea on his behalf in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.

Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would attempt to have the case thrown out for several reasons including that his client, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being targeted.

The former director was charged just days after Trump pushed his top legal official to proceed against him.

Judicial Process

In court on mid-week, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald advised the court they planned to submit multiple petitions to throw out the legal matter before a court case, claiming the legal action was vindictive and that a US attorney was unlawfully assigned to handle the case.

The former director's proceedings was initially handled by the original attorney, who stepped down under influence from Donald Trump after his probe into a different opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - failed to file indictments.

Judicial Environment

Mr Comey came across in optimistic frame of mind as he walked into the courtroom on Wednesday, conversing with his attorneys and making jokes. He was joined by his spouse, Patrice Failor and child Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the former government recently fired.

Following the reading to the magistrate recite his constitutional guarantees and the dual charges against him in court on mid-week, the defendant was asked if he comprehended the charges.

"Yes your honour. Thank you," he stated to the judge.

Historical Information

James Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was fired about several months into Trump's first administration as president. At the moment, the director was overseeing an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and the election effort.

During his tenure, the director triggered a counter-response from liberal politicians when he stated just shortly prior to the national vote that he was probing presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Indictments against Clinton were never brought, resulting in criticism from the Republican party as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Prosecutors claim James Comey provided false information to the legislature during a congressional hearing in 2020 when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They say he deceived the upper house by stating he had not approved an individual at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to release to media organizations information about the FBI investigations.

Government lawyers also allege the defendant of "wrongfully trying to sway, hinder and impede" the legislative group by providing untrue information to it.

Public Statements

Through a recording Mr Comey published to his Instagram after he was indicted, he stated he was not guilty and accused Trump of conducting himself like a "autocrat".

"My family and I have understood for a long time that there are ramifications to standing up to Donald Trump," he said. "We refuse to live on our knees."

"I have done nothing wrong," he stated further. "Therefore proceed with a trial."

The charges against Mr Comey came after Trump shared on online platforms calling for his top legal official, Ms Bondi, charge Mr Comey and additional individuals.