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Previous FBI chief James Comey has entered an innocent plea to making false statements to congressional representatives and hindering a congressional proceeding.

Mr Comey's legal representative entered the plea representing him in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.

His attorney stated he would attempt to have the proceedings thrown out for several reasons including that his the accused, a opponent of Donald Trump, was being singled out.

Mr Comey was charged shortly after Trump pushed his attorney general to move forward against him.

Legal Proceedings

During the hearing on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald informed the court they intended to submit various motions to throw out the proceedings before a legal hearing, arguing the legal action was vindictive and that a US attorney was improperly designated to take over the proceedings.

Mr Comey's proceedings was originally managed by Erik Siebert, who resigned under influence from Trump after his probe into a different political adversary - the New York official - was unable to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

Mr Comey seemed in optimistic frame of mind as he walked into the courtroom on mid-week, speaking with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was supported by his spouse, Patrice Failor and offspring Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the former government terminated.

Following the reading to the court state his rights and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, Mr Comey was questioned if he understood the accusations.

"Absolutely your honour. Appreciate it," he told the judge.

Background Context

James Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was fired about several months into Trump's first term as president. At the period, he was leading an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between Moscow and the presidential campaign.

During his tenure, Mr Comey triggered a backlash from Democrats when he announced just immediately preceding the national vote that he was examining political contender Clinton's use of a personal email system. Indictments against Clinton were not filed, causing disapproval from Republicans as well.

Present Charges

Government attorneys allege Mr Comey gave untrue statements to the legislature during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the previous examination as well as the Russia election probe. They say he deceived the upper house by stating he had not permitted a person at the agency to disclose to media organizations information about the agency probes.

Government lawyers also charge James Comey of "improperly attempting to affect, block and impede" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.

Personal Comments

Through a recording the former director shared to his online platform after he was charged, he said he was not guilty and accused the former president of behaving like a "autocrat".

"My family and I have been aware for a long time that there are costs to opposing the former president," he said. "We will not live on our knees."

"I have done nothing wrong," he continued. "Thus initiate a legal proceeding."

The accusations against the former director surfaced after the former president posted on social media demanding his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, prosecute Mr Comey and others.