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Former Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the former director has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to congressional representatives and impeding a congressional proceeding.

The former director's attorney filed the plea on his behalf in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

Patrick Fitzgerald announced he would try to have the legal matter terminated for various reasons including that his defendant, a opponent of Donald Trump, was being singled out.

The former director was charged shortly after Trump urged his chief prosecutor to proceed against him.

Court Developments

At the proceedings on Wednesday, the defense counsel the legal representative advised the court they planned to present multiple petitions to terminate the case before a legal hearing, stating the government's case was vindictive and that a government lawyer was wrongfully designated to take over the legal matter.

The former director's case was originally overseen by Erik Siebert, who left his position under scrutiny from Donald Trump after his investigation into another rival - the New York official - failed to initiate prosecution.

Judicial Environment

James Comey appeared in good spirits as he walked into the court on Wednesday, chatting with his lawyers and making jokes. He was joined by his partner, Patrice Failor and offspring Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the previous administration dismissed.

Upon hearing to the magistrate read his rights and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on mid-week, Mr Comey was questioned if he comprehended the allegations.

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

Previous Events

The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was dismissed about a few months into Donald Trump's first administration as national leader. At the time, he was leading an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and the presidential campaign.

While in office, Mr Comey caused a backlash from Democrats when he stated just shortly prior to the 2016 presidential election that he was probing presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Indictments against the candidate were never brought, resulting in negative feedback from the Republican party as well.

Present Charges

Prosecutors allege Mr Comey gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he deceived the upper house by claiming he had not approved a person at the agency to disclose to news outlets information about the government examinations.

Prosecutors also charge Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to affect, hinder and impede" the legislative group by giving misleading testimony to it.

Personal Comments

Via social media the former director shared to his online platform after he was indicted, he stated he was not guilty and alleged Donald Trump of conducting himself like a "tyrant".

"Our household have understood for considerable time that there are consequences to challenging the former president," he commented. "We choose not to live on our kneeling."

"I have done nothing wrong," he continued. "So let's have a trial."

The charges against the former director emerged after Donald Trump posted on digital channels calling for his chief prosecutor, the attorney general, take legal action against the former director and other people.