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Former Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to US legislators and hindering a congressional proceeding.

His attorney submitted the plea representing him in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.

His attorney announced he would attempt to have the legal matter thrown out for various causes including that his the accused, a critic of President Donald Trump, was being singled out.

Mr Comey was indicted just days after Trump pressured his chief prosecutor to move forward against him.

Judicial Process

In court on mid-week, the defense counsel the legal representative told the judge they intended to present various motions to dismiss the case before a court case, arguing the prosecution was retaliatory and that a US attorney was unlawfully appointed to take over the proceedings.

Mr Comey's case was initially managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under scrutiny from Trump after his investigation into a different opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - did not succeed to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey seemed in good spirits as he entered the courtroom on mid-week, chatting with his legal team and sharing humor. He was joined by his partner, Patrice Failor and child Maureen, a federal prosecutor who the Trump administration recently fired.

After listening to the judge read his constitutional guarantees and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on mid-week, Mr Comey was asked if he grasped the charges.

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

Background Context

The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was fired about four months into the former president's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the period, the director was leading an examination into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and Trump's campaign.

While in office, Mr Comey caused a counter-response from liberal politicians when he declared just days before the 2016 election that he was probing presidential nominee the candidate's use of a private email server. Indictments against the candidate were not pursued, resulting in disapproval from the Republican party as well.

Present Charges

Prosecutors claim James Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a congressional hearing in recent years 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 Senate by claiming he had not permitted a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to leak to journalistic entities information about the FBI investigations.

Government lawyers also allege Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to sway, hinder and slow" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.

Personal Comments

Through a recording the former director published to his social media after he was accused, he said he was innocent and alleged the former president of behaving like a "tyrant".

"My family and I have known for years that there are ramifications to challenging the former president," he stated. "We will not live on our kneeling."

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

These allegations against the former director came after the former president shared on social media calling for his attorney general, Pam Bondi, take legal action against Mr Comey and other people.