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Previous FBI director James Comey has entered an innocent plea to making false statements to congressional representatives and hindering a legislative process.

Mr Comey's attorney filed the answer representing him in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

His attorney announced he would attempt to have the legal matter thrown out for several reasons including that his defendant, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was charged just days after the former president pressured his top legal official to move forward against him.

Judicial Process

During the hearing on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer the legal representative told the judge they aimed to present several motions to dismiss the legal matter before a legal hearing, claiming the prosecution was retaliatory and that a US attorney was unlawfully assigned to take over the proceedings.

Mr Comey's legal matter was originally overseen by a Virginia prosecutor, who resigned under influence from Trump after his investigation into an additional political adversary - the New York official - failed to file indictments.

Judicial Environment

The former director came across in positive mood as he walked into the courtroom on mid-week, speaking with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was supported by his wife, Patrice Failor and offspring Maureen Comey, a US lawyer who the Trump administration terminated.

Upon hearing to the magistrate recite his rights and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on mid-week, James Comey was inquired if he grasped the accusations.

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

Background Context

James Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013-2017 and was terminated about a few months into Donald Trump's first term as president. At the moment, he was directing an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between Russia and the presidential campaign.

During his tenure, James Comey caused a backlash from Democrats when he declared just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was examining Democratic candidate the candidate's use of a private email server. Charges against Clinton were never brought, causing negative feedback from the Republican party as well.

Present Charges

Government attorneys claim James Comey gave untrue statements to the legislature during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being questioned about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They allege he misled the Senate by stating he had not authorized an individual at the FBI to leak to media organizations information about the agency probes.

Prosecutors also charge James Comey of "improperly attempting to influence, obstruct and impede" the panel by providing untrue information to it.

Individual Responses

Via social media the former director posted to his social media after he was charged, he declared he was wrongly accused and charged the former president of acting like a "tyrant".

"My family and I have known for considerable time that there are consequences to challenging Mr Trump," he stated. "We choose not to live on our bended knee."

"I'm innocent," he stated further. "So let's have a trial."

The accusations against the former director came after Donald Trump published on social media demanding his attorney general, Pam Bondi, take legal action against James Comey and additional individuals.