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Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to US legislators and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

Mr Comey's attorney submitted the plea on his behalf in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

Patrick Fitzgerald announced he would try to have the proceedings dismissed for several factors including that his client, a opponent of Donald Trump, was being singled out.

The former director was indicted soon after Donald Trump urged his top legal official to proceed against him.

Legal Proceedings

During the hearing on mid-week, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald advised the magistrate they planned to file several motions to dismiss the case before a trial, claiming the government's case was retaliatory and that a government lawyer was unlawfully assigned to handle the case.

James Comey's proceedings was initially overseen by Erik Siebert, who resigned under pressure from Trump after his probe into an additional political adversary - the New York official - was unable to file indictments.

Judicial Environment

The former director came across in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the court on Wednesday, conversing with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was supported by his wife, his wife and child his daughter, a US lawyer who the former government terminated.

Upon hearing to the magistrate read his rights and the pair of allegations against him in court on mid-week, Mr Comey was inquired if he grasped the charges.

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

Background Context

James Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was terminated about several months into the former president's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the time, the director was directing an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between Russia and Trump's campaign.

While in office, the director caused a negative reaction from the Democratic party when he announced just shortly prior to the national vote that he was examining Democratic candidate the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against Clinton were never brought, resulting in disapproval from Republicans as well.

Current Allegations

Government attorneys assert James Comey lied to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in 2020 when he was being questioned about both the previous examination as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he misled the Senate by stating he had not authorized a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to leak to news outlets data about the agency probes.

Prosecutors also allege the defendant of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, hinder and delay" the committee by making false statements to it.

Public Statements

In a video the former director published to his online platform after he was accused, he stated he was not guilty and charged Trump of conducting himself like a "autocrat".

"We have been aware for considerable time that there are ramifications to opposing Mr Trump," he commented. "We refuse to live on our knees."

"I'm innocent," he added. "Therefore proceed with a court case."

These allegations against James Comey surfaced after Trump posted on digital channels demanding his attorney general, Ms Bondi, take legal action against the former director and additional individuals.