ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — James Comey pleaded not guilty on Wednesday in a criminal case that has highlighted the Justice Department's efforts to target adversaries of President Donald Trump, with lawyers for the former FBI director saying that they plan to argue the prosecution is politically motivated and should be dismissed.

The arraignment lasted less than half an hour. But it was nonetheless loaded with historical significance given that the case has amplified concerns the Justice Department is being weaponized in pursuit of Trump's political enemies and is operating at the behest of a White House determined to seek retribution for perceived wrongs against the Republican president.

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