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Former Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey has entered an innocent plea to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and obstructing a legislative process.

The former director's lawyer entered the response on his behalf in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.

Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would attempt to have the case terminated for several reasons including that his the accused, a critic of former President Trump, was being singled out.

The former director was charged soon after Donald Trump urged his attorney general to move forward against him.

Court Developments

During the hearing on mid-week, the defense counsel Mr Fitzgerald advised the magistrate they planned to submit various legal requests to terminate the legal matter before a legal hearing, arguing the prosecution was spiteful and that a US attorney was wrongfully designated to take over the legal matter.

James Comey's proceedings was originally overseen by a Virginia prosecutor, who stepped down under influence from the former president after his investigation into an additional rival - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to bring criminal charges.

Legal Setting

Mr Comey seemed in good spirits as he came into the courtroom on Wednesday, speaking with his attorneys and making jokes. He was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Failor and offspring Maureen, a US lawyer who the previous administration recently fired.

After listening to the court read his legal protections and the two counts against him in the courtroom on mid-week, the defendant was asked if he grasped the accusations.

"I do your honour. Thank you very much," he told the judge.

Historical Information

The former director was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was terminated about a few months into Donald Trump's first administration as national leader. At the moment, he was directing an investigation into international campaign influence and whether there were any links between Russia and the presidential campaign.

While in office, James Comey triggered a backlash from Democrats when he announced just immediately preceding the national vote that he was probing Democratic candidate the candidate's use of a private email server. Charges against Hillary Clinton were not filed, resulting in criticism from the Republican party as well.

Current Allegations

The federal government allege Mr Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being questioned about both the Clinton investigation as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They allege he deceived the upper house by saying he had not approved a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to release to media organizations details about the government examinations.

Prosecutors also charge the defendant of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, obstruct and impede" the legislative group by giving misleading testimony to it.

Individual Responses

Via social media the former director shared to his Instagram after he was indicted, he said he was wrongly accused and accused the former president of conducting himself like a "tyrant".

"My family and I have been aware for a long time that there are costs to challenging Mr Trump," he stated. "We choose not to live on our knees."

"I'm innocent," he stated further. "Thus initiate a court case."

The accusations against James Comey came after Donald Trump shared on digital channels calling for his attorney general, Pam Bondi, charge Mr Comey and other people.