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Former FBI chief James the former director has entered an innocent plea to making false statements to congressional representatives and impeding a legislative process.

His attorney filed the response representing him in a US district court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.

The defense lawyer declared he would seek to have the legal matter dismissed for multiple reasons including that his client, a critic of former President Trump, was being targeted.

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

Judicial Process

At the proceedings on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald told the court they aimed to file several petitions to throw out the case before a trial, arguing the prosecution was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was wrongfully appointed to assume control of the legal matter.

The former director's legal matter was initially overseen by Erik Siebert, who stepped down under scrutiny from Donald Trump after his probe into an additional opponent - NY AG Letitia James - failed to bring criminal charges.

Legal Setting

The former director seemed in good spirits as he walked into the courtroom on Wednesday, conversing with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was accompanied by his partner, his wife and child his daughter, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration dismissed.

Upon hearing to the judge recite his rights and the two counts against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, the defendant was asked if he understood the charges.

"I do your honour. Appreciate it," he told the judge.

Historical Information

James Comey was the head of the FBI from four years and was fired about four months into Trump's first term as national leader. At the time, Mr Comey was overseeing an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any connections between Russia and the presidential campaign.

During his tenure, James Comey sparked a negative reaction from liberal politicians when he declared just shortly prior to the national vote that he was investigating presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against the candidate were never brought, resulting in negative feedback from conservative politicians as well.

Current Allegations

Government attorneys allege James Comey provided false information to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the previous examination as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he deceived the upper house by saying he had not permitted an individual at the agency to leak to news outlets details about the FBI investigations.

Prosecutors also charge James Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to sway, block and impede" the committee by providing untrue information to it.

Public Statements

In a video James Comey posted to his online platform after he was indicted, he stated he was wrongly accused and accused Donald Trump of acting like a "dictator".

"My family and I have known for years that there are costs to opposing Donald Trump," he stated. "We will not live on our kneeling."

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

The charges against Mr Comey came after Donald Trump shared on social media insisting on his attorney general, Pam Bondi, prosecute the former director and additional individuals.