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Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the former director has denied the charges to making false statements to congressional representatives and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

Mr Comey's legal representative entered the response on his behalf in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

His attorney stated he would try to have the proceedings terminated for multiple reasons including that his defendant, a opponent of Donald Trump, was being targeted.

Mr Comey was formally accused just days after the former president pressured his chief prosecutor to take action against him.

Judicial Process

During the hearing on mid-week, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald told the magistrate they aimed to file multiple petitions to dismiss the case before a trial, arguing the prosecution was retaliatory and that a government lawyer was improperly designated to handle the legal matter.

Mr Comey's case was initially handled by the original attorney, who stepped down under influence from the former president after his examination into an additional political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - failed to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey seemed in positive mood as he entered the legal venue on mid-week, chatting with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was joined by his spouse, Patrice Failor and daughter his daughter, a government attorney who the former government recently fired.

After listening to the judge recite his constitutional guarantees and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, James Comey was inquired if he comprehended the charges.

"Absolutely your honour. Thank you," he informed the judge.

Background Context

Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013-2017 and was terminated about four months into the former president's first administration as national leader. At the time, he was directing an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between the Russian government and the election effort.

Throughout his leadership, James Comey caused a counter-response from liberal politicians when he declared just days before the 2016 election that he was investigating Democratic candidate the candidate's use of a personal email system. Legal actions against Clinton were not filed, leading to criticism from the Republican party as well.

Present Charges

Prosecutors assert James Comey lied to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he provided false information to the upper house by claiming he had not permitted someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to news outlets details about the FBI investigations.

Prosecutors also charge Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to sway, obstruct and slow" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.

Public Statements

Via social media the former director shared to his social media after he was accused, he declared he was not guilty and accused Trump of behaving like a "dictator".

"We have understood for years that there are consequences to challenging Mr Trump," he stated. "We refuse to live on our kneeling."

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

The charges against Mr Comey surfaced after Donald Trump published on digital channels calling for his attorney general, the attorney general, take legal action against James Comey and additional individuals.