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Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James Comey has denied the charges to making false statements to US legislators and hindering a lawmaking procedure.

His legal representative filed the response acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would seek to have the case terminated for several reasons including that his client, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being targeted.

James Comey was formally accused soon after the former president pressured his attorney general to move forward against him.

Court Developments

During the hearing on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald told the magistrate they intended to file several petitions to throw out the legal matter before a trial, claiming the prosecution was retaliatory and that a government lawyer was unlawfully designated to take over the proceedings.

James Comey's proceedings was first overseen by Erik Siebert, who left his position under scrutiny from Donald Trump after his probe into another political adversary - the New York official - was unable to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the courtroom on Wednesday, chatting with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was supported by his wife, Mrs Failor and offspring Maureen, a federal prosecutor who the former government recently fired.

Upon hearing to the magistrate state his rights and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, Mr Comey was inquired if he understood the allegations.

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

Background Context

The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was terminated about four months into the former president's first term as commander-in-chief. At the moment, he was leading an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between the Russian government and Trump's campaign.

Throughout his leadership, the director sparked a counter-response from liberal politicians when he stated just days before the 2016 election that he was investigating Democratic candidate the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Charges against the candidate were never brought, causing negative feedback from Republicans as well.

Ongoing Accusations

The federal government claim Mr Comey lied to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They say he misled the Senate by claiming he had not approved a person at the agency to release to media organizations information about the government examinations.

Legal representatives also charge the defendant of "wrongfully trying to sway, block and impede" the committee by providing untrue information to it.

Individual Responses

Through a recording the former director published to his social media after he was accused, he said he was innocent and accused Donald Trump of behaving like a "autocrat".

"We have understood for a long time that there are costs to opposing the former president," he said. "We choose not to live on our bended knee."

"I have done nothing wrong," he continued. "So let's have a trial."

The charges against Mr Comey came after the former president shared on online platforms calling for his attorney general, Pam Bondi, prosecute Mr Comey and additional individuals.