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Previous FBI chief James the former director has entered an innocent plea to making false statements to congressional representatives and hindering a lawmaking procedure.

The former director's lawyer submitted the plea on his behalf in a US district court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.

His attorney stated he would try to have the case thrown out for several causes including that his the accused, a detractor of former President Trump, was being targeted.

James Comey was formally accused just days after Donald Trump pressured his chief prosecutor to proceed against him.

Legal Proceedings

In court on Wednesday, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald informed the judge they aimed to present several petitions to dismiss the case before a legal hearing, stating the legal action was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was improperly designated to assume control of the case.

James Comey's legal matter was originally handled by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under influence from Donald Trump after his investigation into an additional opponent - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to file indictments.

Judicial Environment

Mr Comey seemed in positive mood as he entered the legal venue on mid-week, speaking with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was accompanied by his partner, his wife and child Maureen, a government attorney who the Trump administration terminated.

After listening to the court recite his rights and the dual charges against him in court on Wednesday, James Comey was inquired if he grasped the accusations.

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

Background Context

The former director was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was dismissed about a few months into the former president's initial presidency as national leader. At the time, he was directing an investigation into Russian election interference and whether there were any relationships between Russia and Trump's campaign.

While in office, the director caused a counter-response from the Democratic party when he declared just days before the 2016 presidential election that he was investigating presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Indictments against Hillary Clinton were never brought, leading to criticism from the Republican party as well.

Ongoing Accusations

The federal government claim the former director gave untrue statements to Congress during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the Clinton investigation as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he deceived the Senate by claiming he had not permitted a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to release to journalistic entities information about the government examinations.

Legal representatives also accuse James Comey of "improperly attempting to influence, block and slow" the legislative group by making false statements to it.

Public Statements

Through a recording Mr Comey posted to his Instagram after he was indicted, he said he was not guilty and alleged Donald Trump of conducting himself like a "dictator".

"We have known for a long time that there are consequences to opposing the former president," he said. "We choose not to live on our kneeling."

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

The charges against Mr Comey emerged after the former president shared on social media demanding his chief prosecutor, Ms Bondi, take legal action against James Comey and others.