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Former Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the former director has entered an innocent plea to making false statements to lawmakers and obstructing a legislative process.

The former director's lawyer filed the answer representing him in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would seek to have the proceedings thrown out for several causes including that his defendant, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being targeted.

The former director was indicted just days after the former president pressured his attorney general to take action against him.

Judicial Process

During the hearing on mid-week, the defense counsel the legal representative advised the magistrate they planned to file multiple petitions to dismiss the legal matter before a legal hearing, stating the prosecution was retaliatory and that a federal prosecutor was improperly designated to take over the case.

Mr Comey's legal matter was first handled by the original attorney, who resigned under influence from Trump after his investigation into a different opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - failed to initiate prosecution.

Courtroom Atmosphere

The former director came across in positive mood as he entered the courtroom on Wednesday, speaking with his legal team and being lighthearted. He was supported by his partner, Patrice Failor and daughter Maureen, a US lawyer who the former government recently fired.

Upon hearing to the magistrate recite his rights and the two counts against him in court on mid-week, James Comey was questioned if he understood the accusations.

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

Background Context

Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from four years and was fired about four months into Trump's initial presidency as national leader. At the moment, the director was overseeing an probe into Russian election interference and whether there were any connections between Moscow and the presidential campaign.

Throughout his leadership, Mr Comey caused a counter-response from the Democratic party when he announced just days before the 2016 election that he was examining presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Legal actions against Clinton were not filed, resulting in disapproval from the Republican party as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Government attorneys allege James Comey provided false information to the legislature during a congressional hearing in September 2020 when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They allege he misled the Senate by saying he had not permitted an individual at the FBI to leak to media organizations data about the government examinations.

Legal representatives also allege James Comey of "wrongfully trying to sway, hinder and delay" the committee by providing untrue information to it.

Public Statements

Via social media Mr Comey shared to his social media after he was accused, he said he was not guilty and alleged the former president of behaving like a "autocrat".

"We have been aware for considerable time that there are ramifications to opposing the former president," he commented. "We will not live on our knees."

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

The charges against Mr Comey surfaced after the former president posted on social media insisting on his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, charge Mr Comey and additional individuals.