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Former Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey has entered an innocent plea to providing misleading information to lawmakers and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

Mr Comey's attorney filed the answer acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

His attorney announced he would attempt to have the legal matter dismissed for various causes including that his client, a detractor of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

James Comey was indicted just days after Donald Trump urged his attorney general to move forward against him.

Legal Proceedings

At the proceedings on Wednesday, his attorney the legal representative informed the judge they planned to submit multiple legal requests to throw out the proceedings before a legal hearing, arguing the government's case was retaliatory and that a US attorney was wrongfully designated to assume control of the proceedings.

James Comey's proceedings was first handled by the original attorney, who stepped down under pressure from Donald Trump after his probe into another political adversary - New York Attorney General Letitia James - was unable to initiate prosecution.

Judicial Environment

Mr Comey appeared in positive mood as he entered the courtroom on Wednesday, conversing with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was supported by his wife, Patrice Failor and child Maureen, a federal prosecutor who the former government dismissed.

Following the reading to the judge read his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in court on Wednesday, James Comey was inquired if he understood the accusations.

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

Background Context

James Comey was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was fired about several months into Trump's first term as national leader. At the moment, the director was leading an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between Moscow and Trump's campaign.

During his tenure, the director triggered a negative reaction from Democrats when he announced just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was investigating political contender Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Charges against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, resulting in disapproval from Republicans as well.

Present Charges

The federal government claim James Comey provided false information to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in 2020 when he was being examined about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They claim he misled the Senate by saying he had not approved someone at the agency to leak to journalistic entities details about the agency probes.

Government lawyers also accuse the defendant of "wrongfully trying to sway, obstruct and slow" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.

Personal Comments

In a video the former director shared to his social media after he was charged, he said he was not guilty and charged Donald Trump of acting like a "dictator".

"Our household have understood for a long time that there are costs to opposing the former president," he stated. "We refuse to live on our knees."

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

These allegations against James Comey came after the former president published on online platforms insisting on his chief prosecutor, the attorney general, charge the former director and other people.