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Former FBI director James the ex-FBI chief has entered an innocent plea to providing misleading information to lawmakers and hindering a congressional proceeding.

The former director's lawyer entered the response acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday morning.

The defense lawyer stated he would seek to have the proceedings terminated for several causes including that his client, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being singled out.

James Comey was charged soon after Trump pressured his top legal official to move forward against him.

Court Developments

During the hearing on Wednesday, the defense counsel the legal representative informed the magistrate they intended to file several motions to terminate the case before a trial, arguing the legal action was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was wrongfully assigned to take over the case.

The former director's legal matter was first handled by Erik Siebert, who left his position under influence from Donald Trump after his investigation into another opponent - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to bring criminal charges.

Legal Setting

Mr Comey appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the court on mid-week, speaking with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was supported by his wife, his wife and offspring his daughter, a US lawyer who the former government recently fired.

Upon hearing to the magistrate recite his legal protections and the two counts against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, Mr Comey was asked if he comprehended the allegations.

"I do your honour. Appreciate it," he stated to the court.

Background Context

The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about several months into Donald Trump's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the moment, the director was overseeing an investigation into Russian election interference and whether there were any relationships between Russia and Trump's campaign.

While in office, Mr Comey caused a backlash from the Democratic party when he stated just shortly prior to the national vote that he was examining presidential nominee the candidate's use of a personal email system. Charges against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, resulting in criticism from conservative politicians as well.

Current Allegations

Prosecutors allege the former director provided false information to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They say he misled the legislative body by stating he had not permitted someone at the agency to release to media organizations data about the FBI investigations.

Government lawyers also charge Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to influence, hinder and slow" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.

Personal Comments

In a video the former director published to his social media after he was accused, he stated he was wrongly accused and alleged the former president of acting like a "autocrat".

"We have understood for considerable time that there are consequences to opposing Donald Trump," he stated. "We refuse to live on our knees."

"I am not guilty," he added. "Therefore proceed with a trial."

The charges against James Comey came after the former president shared on social media demanding his chief prosecutor, the attorney general, take legal action against Mr Comey and other people.