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Ex- FBI director James the former director has entered an innocent plea to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and impeding a lawmaking procedure.

Mr Comey's legal representative submitted the answer representing him in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would seek to have the legal matter dismissed for several reasons including that his client, a opponent of Donald Trump, was being targeted.

The former director was formally accused soon after Donald Trump pressured his chief prosecutor to move forward against him.

Court Developments

During the hearing on Wednesday, the defense counsel Mr Fitzgerald informed the court they aimed to file several motions to terminate the case before a court case, arguing the legal action was vindictive and that a US attorney was wrongfully designated to assume control of the legal matter.

The former director's proceedings was first handled by the original attorney, who left his position under scrutiny from Trump after his investigation into a different rival - the New York official - was unable to file indictments.

Legal Setting

The former director seemed in good spirits as he came into the court on mid-week, chatting with his legal team and being lighthearted. He was accompanied by his partner, Patrice Failor and offspring Maureen, a government attorney who the Trump administration terminated.

Upon hearing to the court state his rights and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, Mr Comey was questioned if he grasped the charges.

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

Historical Information

Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013-2017 and was dismissed about four months into Donald Trump's first administration as president. At the time, he was leading an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between Moscow and Trump's campaign.

Throughout his leadership, the director triggered a negative reaction from liberal politicians when he stated just shortly prior to the national vote that he was probing political contender Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Charges against the candidate were never brought, leading to criticism from Republicans as well.

Present Charges

Government attorneys claim the former director gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in 2020 when he was being questioned about both the Clinton investigation as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he misled the Senate by stating he had not permitted a person at the agency to disclose to journalistic entities data about the FBI investigations.

Prosecutors also allege the defendant of "improperly attempting to sway, block and slow" the panel by providing untrue information to it.

Personal Comments

In a video James Comey posted to his online platform after he was charged, he said he was wrongly accused and alleged Trump of behaving like a "autocrat".

"My family and I have been aware for considerable time that there are consequences to challenging Donald Trump," he said. "We will not live on our bended knee."

"I'm innocent," he stated further. "Therefore proceed with a legal proceeding."

The accusations against the former director surfaced after the former president published on digital channels insisting on his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, take legal action against Mr Comey and additional individuals.