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Former Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the former director has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to lawmakers and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

Mr Comey's legal representative submitted the plea on his behalf in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

His attorney stated he would attempt to have the proceedings terminated for multiple reasons including that his defendant, a detractor of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

James Comey was charged soon after the former president pushed his top legal official to move forward against him.

Judicial Process

In court on mid-week, Comey's lawyer the legal representative advised the judge they aimed to present various motions to terminate the case before a court case, stating the prosecution was retaliatory and that a US attorney was unlawfully assigned to take over the legal matter.

James Comey's case was first managed by Erik Siebert, who left his position under influence from Trump after his probe into another opponent - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to file indictments.

Legal Setting

James Comey seemed in good spirits as he entered the court on Wednesday, chatting with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was supported by his wife, his wife and offspring Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the previous administration dismissed.

Following the reading to the magistrate read his legal protections and the dual charges against him in court on Wednesday, James Comey was questioned if he understood the accusations.

"Absolutely your honour. Appreciate it," he told the court.

Historical Information

James Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was terminated about four months into Trump's initial presidency as president. At the period, Mr Comey was leading an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any connections between Russia and the election effort.

While in office, James Comey caused a counter-response from Democrats when he declared just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was probing political contender Clinton's use of a private email server. Charges against Clinton were never brought, leading to disapproval from the Republican party as well.

Present Charges

Prosecutors assert Mr Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 when he was being examined about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They claim he provided false information to the upper house by saying he had not approved someone at the FBI to disclose to media organizations details about the FBI investigations.

Legal representatives also allege Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to affect, obstruct and impede" the legislative group by making false statements to it.

Public Statements

In a video Mr Comey shared to his social media after he was indicted, he declared he was innocent and alleged the former president of conducting himself like a "autocrat".

"We have understood for considerable time that there are ramifications to standing up to the former president," he stated. "We will not live on our kneeling."

"I have done nothing wrong," he stated further. "So let's have a legal proceeding."

The charges against James Comey came after the former president published on online platforms insisting on his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, prosecute the former director and additional individuals.