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Previous FBI chief James Comey has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to US legislators and hindering a lawmaking procedure.

His legal representative entered the plea acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

The defense lawyer stated he would try to have the proceedings thrown out for several causes including that his defendant, a critic of President Donald Trump, was being targeted.

James Comey was indicted shortly after Donald Trump urged his attorney general to proceed against him.

Legal Proceedings

At the proceedings on Wednesday, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald told the magistrate they intended to file several legal requests to terminate the legal matter before a trial, stating the government's case was retaliatory and that a government lawyer was improperly designated to handle the case.

The former director's proceedings was originally overseen by the original attorney, who stepped down under pressure from the former president after his probe into a different opponent - the New York official - was unable to bring criminal charges.

Judicial Environment

James Comey appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the legal venue on Wednesday, conversing with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was supported by his partner, Mrs Failor and daughter Maureen, a federal prosecutor who the Trump administration terminated.

Upon hearing to the court recite his rights and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, the defendant was questioned if he comprehended the allegations.

"Absolutely your honour. Appreciate it," he stated to the proceedings.

Background Context

Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was fired about four months into Trump's first term as national leader. At the period, he was overseeing an probe into international campaign influence and whether there were any links between Moscow and Trump's campaign.

Throughout his leadership, Mr Comey caused a negative reaction from Democrats when he announced just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was probing presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Charges against Clinton were never brought, resulting in negative feedback from the Republican party as well.

Present Charges

Prosecutors allege James Comey gave untrue statements to Congress during a congressional hearing in 2020 when he was being questioned about both the previous examination as well as the election interference investigation. They allege he provided false information to the upper house by claiming he had not permitted someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to leak to news outlets details about the agency probes.

Prosecutors also allege James Comey of "wrongfully trying to affect, obstruct and delay" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.

Personal Comments

Through a recording the former director shared to his Instagram after he was accused, he declared he was innocent and charged Donald Trump of behaving like a "autocrat".

"We have known for considerable time that there are consequences to opposing the former president," he commented. "We will not live on our bended knee."

"I'm innocent," he added. "Therefore proceed with a trial."

The charges against Mr Comey emerged after Trump shared on digital channels calling for his top legal official, the attorney general, take legal action against Mr Comey and other people.