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Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to congressional representatives and hindering a lawmaking procedure.

His attorney filed the plea representing him in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

The defense lawyer announced he would attempt to have the legal matter thrown out for several reasons including that his defendant, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being singled out.

Mr Comey was formally accused shortly after the former president urged his top legal official to move forward against him.

Court Developments

During the hearing on mid-week, the defense counsel Mr Fitzgerald informed the magistrate they intended to present various legal requests to throw out the legal matter before a court case, claiming the government's case was retaliatory and that a federal prosecutor was improperly designated to take over the case.

The former director's proceedings was originally handled by a Virginia prosecutor, who resigned under pressure from Trump after his probe into another opponent - the New York official - was unable to bring criminal charges.

Courtroom Atmosphere

The former director appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he walked into the court on mid-week, speaking with his attorneys and making jokes. He was joined by his wife, his wife and daughter Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the former government dismissed.

After listening to the judge read his rights and the pair of allegations against him in the courtroom on mid-week, Mr Comey was asked if he comprehended the allegations.

"Absolutely your honour. Thank you," he stated to the court.

Historical Information

James Comey was the head of the FBI from four years and was terminated about several months into Donald Trump's first term as national leader. At the moment, the director was overseeing an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between Russia and Trump's campaign.

Throughout his leadership, James Comey caused a counter-response from liberal politicians when he announced just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was probing presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against Hillary Clinton were not filed, causing criticism from the Republican party as well.

Present Charges

Prosecutors allege the former director gave untrue statements to Congress during a congressional hearing in September 2020 when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the election interference investigation. They allege he misled the upper house by saying he had not permitted an individual at the FBI to disclose to media organizations details about the FBI investigations.

Legal representatives also charge Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to influence, block and impede" the legislative group by giving misleading testimony to it.

Personal Comments

Through a recording the former director shared to his Instagram after he was charged, he said he was wrongly accused and charged the former president of behaving like a "tyrant".

"Our household have understood for considerable time that there are consequences to standing up to Mr Trump," he said. "We choose not to live on our knees."

"I am not guilty," he stated further. "Thus initiate a legal proceeding."

These allegations against the former director came after Trump shared on online platforms demanding his top legal official, the attorney general, charge Mr Comey and others.