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Previous FBI director James Comey has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to congressional representatives and hindering a lawmaking procedure.

The former director's attorney entered the response on his behalf in a US district court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.

Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would attempt to have the case terminated for various factors including that his client, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being singled out.

The former director was formally accused shortly after the former president urged his attorney general to take action against him.

Legal Proceedings

At the proceedings on Wednesday, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald told the judge they aimed to submit several petitions to terminate the legal matter before a legal hearing, claiming the prosecution was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was unlawfully designated to take over the proceedings.

Mr Comey's proceedings was initially managed by the original attorney, who left his position under influence from Trump after his investigation into another opponent - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to initiate prosecution.

Judicial Environment

James Comey came across in positive mood as he entered the court on Wednesday, conversing with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was joined by his spouse, Patrice Failor and offspring Maureen, a federal prosecutor who the former government terminated.

Upon hearing to the court state his legal protections and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, the defendant was asked if he grasped the allegations.

"Yes your honour. Appreciate it," he stated to the court.

Historical Information

The former director was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was terminated about several months into the former president's initial presidency as commander-in-chief. At the time, the director was overseeing an investigation into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between Russia and the presidential campaign.

While in office, the director caused a counter-response from Democrats when he announced just shortly prior to the national vote that he was investigating presidential nominee the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against the candidate were never brought, causing negative feedback from the Republican party as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Prosecutors claim the former director lied to the legislature during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 when he was being questioned about both the previous examination as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he deceived the legislative body by stating he had not authorized an individual at the FBI to release to journalistic entities details about the agency probes.

Government lawyers also charge James Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to affect, hinder and impede" the panel by providing untrue information to it.

Personal Comments

In a video James Comey posted to his social media after he was indicted, he declared he was wrongly accused and charged the former president of acting like a "dictator".

"My family and I have been aware for a long time that there are ramifications to standing up to Donald Trump," he said. "We refuse to live on our knees."

"I'm innocent," he stated further. "Thus initiate a court case."

The accusations against Mr Comey came after Trump published on digital channels insisting on his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, prosecute the former director and other people.