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Former FBI head James Comey has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to lawmakers and obstructing a legislative process.

The former director's attorney filed the response representing him in a US district court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.

Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would attempt to have the case dismissed for multiple factors including that his the accused, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was charged soon after Trump urged his chief prosecutor to take action against him.

Court Developments

In court on mid-week, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald advised the judge they aimed to submit various petitions to terminate the case before a legal hearing, arguing the government's case was retaliatory and that a US attorney was improperly appointed to take over the legal matter.

The former director's legal matter was first managed by Erik Siebert, who resigned under influence from Donald Trump after his probe into a different rival - New York Attorney General Letitia James - was unable to bring criminal charges.

Legal Setting

The former director appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the courtroom on mid-week, speaking with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was joined by his spouse, Patrice Failor and offspring Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the former government terminated.

Upon hearing to the court state his legal protections and the two counts against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, James Comey was inquired if he understood the accusations.

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

Historical Information

The former director was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was terminated about four months into Trump's initial presidency as commander-in-chief. At the moment, he was leading an examination into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and the presidential campaign.

Throughout his leadership, the director caused a backlash from liberal politicians when he declared just immediately preceding the 2016 election that he was investigating presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against Clinton were not filed, leading to criticism from conservative politicians as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Prosecutors allege Mr Comey provided false information to the legislature during a congressional hearing in September 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They say he provided false information to the upper house by stating he had not authorized a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to release to journalistic entities details about the agency probes.

Legal representatives also charge the defendant of "corruptly endeavoring to sway, block and delay" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.

Public Statements

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

"My family and I have understood for considerable time that there are ramifications to opposing Mr Trump," he commented. "We will not live on our kneeling."

"I'm innocent," he added. "Therefore proceed with a legal proceeding."

The charges against James Comey emerged after Trump posted on social media calling for his top legal official, the attorney general, prosecute James Comey and other people.