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Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the former director has entered an innocent plea to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and hindering a lawmaking procedure.

Mr Comey's legal representative submitted the plea on his behalf in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

The defense lawyer declared he would attempt to have the proceedings terminated for several causes including that his defendant, a detractor of former President Trump, was being targeted.

James Comey was indicted soon after the former president pressured his attorney general to proceed against him.

Court Developments

During the hearing on Wednesday, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald told the court they aimed to file various legal requests to dismiss the legal matter before a trial, claiming the legal action was retaliatory and that a government lawyer was wrongfully assigned to handle the legal matter.

Mr Comey's legal matter was initially handled by Erik Siebert, who resigned under pressure from the former president after his examination into an additional opponent - the New York official - was unable to file indictments.

Judicial Environment

James Comey appeared in positive mood as he entered the courtroom on Wednesday, chatting with his attorneys and being lighthearted. He was accompanied by his partner, his wife and daughter his daughter, a US lawyer who the Trump administration terminated.

After listening to the court state his legal protections and the pair of allegations against him in court on Wednesday, the defendant was inquired if he comprehended the charges.

"Absolutely your honour. Appreciate it," he informed the proceedings.

Background Context

The former director was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was terminated about several months into Donald Trump's first term as national leader. At the period, he was leading an probe into international campaign influence and whether there were any links between Russia and the election effort.

While in office, Mr Comey triggered a negative reaction from the Democratic party when he stated just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was investigating Democratic candidate the candidate's use of a personal email system. Indictments against Clinton were not filed, causing disapproval from Republicans as well.

Present Charges

The federal government claim Mr Comey gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a congressional hearing in September 2020 when he was being examined about both the Clinton investigation as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he provided false information to the upper house by stating he had not approved an individual at the agency to disclose to journalistic entities data about the agency probes.

Prosecutors also allege Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to sway, hinder and slow" the panel by providing untrue information to it.

Personal Comments

Via social media James Comey shared to his Instagram after he was charged, he stated he was innocent and accused the former president of acting like a "autocrat".

"Our household have understood for considerable time that there are costs to challenging Donald Trump," he commented. "We will not live on our knees."

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

The accusations against James Comey emerged after Donald Trump shared on online platforms insisting on his attorney general, Ms Bondi, take legal action against Mr Comey and others.