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Previous FBI director James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to US legislators and impeding a legislative process.

The former director's attorney submitted the plea representing him in a federal court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.

The defense lawyer announced he would attempt to have the legal matter dismissed for several causes including that his client, a detractor of former President Trump, was being targeted.

James Comey was charged shortly after Donald Trump urged his attorney general to take action against him.

Court Developments

During the hearing on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald informed the magistrate they aimed to submit several motions to dismiss the legal matter before a legal hearing, claiming the legal action was retaliatory and that a government lawyer was wrongfully designated to assume control of the proceedings.

James Comey's proceedings was originally managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who resigned under scrutiny from Donald Trump after his examination into another rival - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to initiate prosecution.

Courtroom Atmosphere

The former director appeared in positive mood as he came into the court on mid-week, speaking with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was supported by his spouse, Patrice Failor and child his daughter, a US lawyer who the previous administration recently fired.

Following the reading to the court state his rights and the two counts against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, Mr Comey was questioned if he comprehended the charges.

"I do your honour. Thank you very much," he informed the court.

Background Context

Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013-2017 and was terminated about four months into Trump's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the period, he was leading an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and the election effort.

During his tenure, the director triggered a counter-response from liberal politicians when he declared just shortly prior to the national vote that he was investigating political contender Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Legal actions against the candidate were not pursued, causing disapproval from Republicans as well.

Current Allegations

The federal government assert James Comey lied to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in 2020 when he was being questioned about both the previous examination as well as the Russia election probe. They say he misled the upper house by saying he had not permitted an individual at the FBI to leak to journalistic entities information about the government examinations.

Prosecutors also accuse Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to affect, hinder and slow" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.

Public Statements

In a video James Comey published to his social media after he was accused, he declared he was innocent and accused Trump of behaving like a "tyrant".

"We have understood for years that there are costs to opposing the former president," he commented. "We choose not to live on our knees."

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

The accusations against the former director came after Trump posted on social media insisting on his top legal official, the attorney general, take legal action against Mr Comey and others.