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Former Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the former director has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to US legislators and hindering a lawmaking procedure.

His lawyer filed the plea representing him in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.

Patrick Fitzgerald announced he would attempt to have the proceedings thrown out for various factors including that his defendant, a critic of Donald Trump, was being targeted.

James Comey was charged just days after Donald Trump urged his top legal official to take action against him.

Judicial Process

At the proceedings on Wednesday, the defense counsel Mr Fitzgerald told the magistrate they planned to submit several motions to throw out the legal matter before a court case, arguing the government's case was retaliatory and that a US attorney was unlawfully appointed to take over the proceedings.

Mr Comey's legal matter was originally overseen by the original attorney, who stepped down under pressure from Donald Trump after his investigation into a different rival - the New York official - did not succeed to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

Mr Comey appeared in positive mood as he came into the courtroom on Wednesday, speaking with his lawyers and making jokes. He was accompanied by his partner, his wife and daughter Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the former government dismissed.

After listening to the court recite his legal protections and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, James Comey was questioned if he comprehended the allegations.

"Absolutely your honour. Thank you very much," he informed the proceedings.

Background Context

Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was fired about a few months into Trump's first term as national leader. At the period, the director was directing an investigation into international campaign influence and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and Trump's campaign.

Throughout his leadership, the director sparked a counter-response from Democrats when he declared just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was investigating political contender Hillary Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against the candidate were never brought, resulting in disapproval from conservative politicians as well.

Present Charges

The federal government allege James Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 when he was being questioned about both the previous examination as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he deceived the legislative body by saying he had not authorized someone at the FBI to release to news outlets details about the government examinations.

Prosecutors also accuse Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to affect, hinder and delay" the panel by providing untrue information to it.

Public Statements

In a video James Comey shared to his online platform after he was accused, he stated he was wrongly accused and charged Donald Trump of conducting himself like a "dictator".

"We have been aware for considerable time that there are costs to standing up to Mr Trump," he commented. "We refuse to live on our knees."

"I'm innocent," he continued. "So let's have a court case."

These allegations against the former director came after the former president shared on digital channels demanding his chief prosecutor, Ms Bondi, prosecute the former director and others.