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Ex- FBI chief James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to congressional representatives and impeding a lawmaking procedure.

The former director's legal representative filed the answer representing him in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

His attorney announced he would seek to have the case terminated for multiple causes including that his client, a detractor of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

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

Court Developments

In court on mid-week, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald informed the court they planned to submit various petitions to dismiss the legal matter before a legal hearing, arguing the prosecution was retaliatory and that a government lawyer was wrongfully designated to handle the case.

Mr Comey's proceedings was first handled by a Virginia prosecutor, who stepped down under influence from the former president after his investigation into an additional rival - NY AG Letitia James - failed to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey seemed in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the legal venue on mid-week, chatting with his lawyers and making jokes. He was supported by his partner, his wife and offspring Maureen, a US lawyer who the previous administration recently fired.

Following the reading to the magistrate read his constitutional guarantees and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, the defendant was inquired if he understood the charges.

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

Previous Events

James Comey was the head of the FBI from four years and was terminated about a few months into Donald Trump's first term as commander-in-chief. At the time, he was overseeing an investigation into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between Moscow and the presidential campaign.

During his tenure, Mr Comey caused a negative reaction from Democrats when he declared just immediately preceding the national vote that he was probing Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Charges against Clinton were not pursued, leading to negative feedback from conservative politicians as well.

Ongoing Accusations

The federal government claim the former director lied to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in September 2020 when he was being examined about both the previous examination as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he deceived the Senate by claiming he had not permitted someone at the agency to disclose to journalistic entities information about the FBI investigations.

Government lawyers also accuse James Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, hinder and slow" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.

Personal Comments

Via social media James Comey shared to his Instagram after he was charged, he declared he was wrongly accused and charged Donald Trump of acting like a "autocrat".

"Our household have been aware for years that there are costs to challenging the former president," he said. "We choose not to live on our bended knee."

"I am not guilty," he added. "Therefore proceed with a legal proceeding."

The accusations against James Comey emerged after Trump published on digital channels demanding his top legal official, the attorney general, charge the former director and other people.