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Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the ex-FBI chief has entered an innocent plea to making false statements to US legislators and obstructing a lawmaking procedure.

The former director's legal representative submitted the answer representing him in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.

His attorney declared he would seek to have the legal matter terminated for several factors including that his client, a critic of President Donald Trump, was being targeted.

James Comey was indicted soon after Trump urged his top legal official to move forward against him.

Judicial Process

During the hearing on Wednesday, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald told the court they intended to present various legal requests to throw out the case before a trial, arguing the government's case was vindictive and that a government lawyer was improperly assigned to handle the proceedings.

The former director's legal matter was initially overseen by the original attorney, who left his position under scrutiny from Donald Trump after his probe into another political adversary - New York Attorney General Letitia James - was unable to bring criminal charges.

Judicial Environment

James Comey appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the legal venue on Wednesday, speaking with his legal team and making jokes. He was supported by his wife, Patrice Failor and child his daughter, a US lawyer who the former government recently fired.

After listening to the magistrate state his constitutional guarantees and the pair of allegations against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, Mr Comey was inquired if he comprehended the charges.

"Yes your honour. Thank you," he told the judge.

Historical Information

The former director was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was fired about several months into Trump's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the time, the director was directing an probe into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and the election effort.

While in office, James Comey caused a backlash from Democrats when he announced just days before the 2016 election that he was examining Democratic candidate the candidate's use of a private email server. Charges against the candidate were not pursued, resulting in criticism from Republicans as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Government attorneys assert James Comey lied to Congress during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They say he misled the legislative body by stating he had not authorized someone at the agency to release to news outlets details about the agency probes.

Government lawyers also accuse James Comey of "wrongfully trying to influence, block and delay" the panel by providing untrue information to it.

Personal Comments

Through a recording Mr Comey shared to his Instagram after he was indicted, he said he was wrongly accused and charged Donald Trump of behaving like a "dictator".

"Our household have been aware for a long time that there are costs to challenging the former president," he stated. "We refuse to live on our knees."

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

The charges against Mr Comey came after Trump published on social media insisting on his attorney general, Pam Bondi, take legal action against Mr Comey and others.