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Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to US legislators and impeding a legislative process.

Mr Comey's attorney submitted the answer representing him in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

Patrick Fitzgerald stated he would seek to have the legal matter terminated for various causes including that his client, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being targeted.

James Comey was formally accused just days after Trump pushed his chief prosecutor to proceed against him.

Legal Proceedings

During the hearing on mid-week, the defense counsel Mr Fitzgerald advised the court they intended to file various legal requests to dismiss the proceedings before a legal hearing, stating the prosecution was spiteful and that a government lawyer was unlawfully designated to take over the proceedings.

James Comey's proceedings was first managed by Erik Siebert, who stepped down under pressure from the former president after his investigation into an additional opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - was unable to initiate prosecution.

Judicial Environment

Mr Comey came across in positive mood as he walked into the court on Wednesday, chatting with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was joined by his wife, his wife and child Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the Trump administration dismissed.

Upon hearing to the judge recite his rights and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, Mr Comey was inquired if he comprehended the accusations.

"Yes your honour. Thank you," he informed the court.

Background Context

James Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was terminated about four months into the former president's first administration as president. At the time, he was directing an investigation into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between Russia and the election effort.

During his tenure, James Comey caused a backlash from the Democratic party when he declared just shortly prior to the 2016 presidential election that he was investigating political contender Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Charges against Hillary Clinton were not filed, causing negative feedback from the Republican party as well.

Present Charges

The federal government assert Mr Comey lied to Congress during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being questioned about both the previous examination as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he deceived the upper house by stating he had not approved someone at the FBI to disclose to news outlets information about the government examinations.

Government lawyers also charge Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to affect, obstruct and impede" the committee by making false statements to it.

Personal Comments

In a video Mr Comey posted to his social media after he was accused, he said he was innocent and accused Donald Trump of conducting himself like a "tyrant".

"My family and I have understood for considerable time that there are costs to opposing Mr Trump," he stated. "We refuse to live on our kneeling."

"I'm innocent," he continued. "Thus initiate a legal proceeding."

The charges against James Comey emerged after Trump published on social media insisting on his top legal official, the attorney general, charge Mr Comey and additional individuals.