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Previous FBI head James the former director has denied the charges to making false statements to congressional representatives and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

His lawyer filed the response acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.

The defense lawyer stated he would seek to have the proceedings terminated for various causes including that his client, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being targeted.

Mr Comey was indicted just days after Donald Trump urged his attorney general to take action against him.

Legal Proceedings

During the hearing on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald informed the judge they aimed to file several petitions to throw out the proceedings before a trial, stating the prosecution was retaliatory and that a federal prosecutor was unlawfully designated to assume control of the case.

Mr Comey's case was originally managed by the original attorney, who left his position under influence from the former president after his examination into an additional opponent - the New York official - was unable to bring criminal charges.

Legal Setting

Mr Comey came across in positive mood as he entered the court on mid-week, chatting with his attorneys and being lighthearted. He was accompanied by his spouse, Mrs Failor and offspring Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the Trump administration recently fired.

Following the reading to the court read his rights and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, Mr Comey was asked if he comprehended the allegations.

"I do your honour. Thank you," he informed the proceedings.

Previous Events

The former director was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was terminated about several months into Donald Trump's first administration as president. At the period, Mr Comey was directing an probe into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between Moscow and the election effort.

During his tenure, the director triggered a negative reaction from the Democratic party when he stated just shortly prior to the 2016 presidential election that he was examining presidential nominee the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against Hillary Clinton were never brought, leading to negative feedback from conservative politicians as well.

Ongoing Accusations

The federal government assert Mr Comey provided false information to the legislature during a congressional hearing in September 2020 when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he misled the legislative body by stating he had not approved an individual at the agency to disclose to news outlets data about the FBI investigations.

Prosecutors also allege the defendant of "wrongfully trying to influence, hinder and delay" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.

Personal Comments

Through a recording James Comey published to his online platform after he was indicted, he stated he was wrongly accused and accused Trump of conducting himself like a "tyrant".

"We have been aware for a long time that there are consequences to challenging Donald Trump," he said. "We refuse to live on our knees."

"I am not guilty," he added. "Thus initiate a court case."

These allegations against James Comey came after Trump shared on digital channels demanding his chief prosecutor, the attorney general, take legal action against the former director and additional individuals.