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Ex- FBI director James Comey has denied the charges to providing misleading information to US legislators and obstructing a lawmaking procedure.

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

Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would attempt to have the legal matter thrown out for several reasons including that his client, a critic of former President Trump, was being targeted.

Mr Comey was charged shortly after Donald Trump urged his chief prosecutor to proceed against him.

Court Developments

At the proceedings on Wednesday, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald informed the magistrate they planned to submit various petitions to terminate the legal matter before a court case, arguing the legal action was spiteful and that a US attorney was unlawfully designated to assume control of the proceedings.

The former director's proceedings was first managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who stepped down under influence from Donald Trump after his probe into an additional political adversary - New York Attorney General Letitia James - did not succeed to bring criminal charges.

Legal Setting

The former director appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the legal venue on mid-week, speaking with his legal team and sharing humor. He was accompanied by his spouse, Mrs Failor and child his daughter, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration dismissed.

Following the reading to the judge recite his legal protections and the two counts against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, the defendant was inquired if he understood the allegations.

"Absolutely your honour. Appreciate it," he informed the court.

Background Context

James Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was dismissed about several months into Trump's initial presidency as national leader. At the period, the director was overseeing an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and the election effort.

During his tenure, James Comey caused a counter-response from Democrats when he declared just immediately preceding the 2016 election that he was probing presidential nominee Clinton's use of a private email server. Legal actions against Clinton were not pursued, resulting in disapproval from conservative politicians as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Government attorneys allege James Comey lied to the legislature during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being examined about both the previous examination as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They allege he provided false information to the upper house by saying he had not authorized someone at the agency to release to media organizations details about the agency probes.

Government lawyers also charge James Comey of "wrongfully trying to sway, hinder and delay" the committee by providing untrue information to it.

Public Statements

Through a recording the former director posted to his online platform after he was indicted, he declared he was innocent and charged Trump of conducting himself like a "autocrat".

"My family and I have been aware for a long time that there are costs to standing up to Mr Trump," he stated. "We refuse to live on our bended knee."

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

The charges against the former director surfaced after Donald Trump published on online platforms calling for his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, charge the former director and additional individuals.