The Brief

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Former FBI Director James Comey pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges he lied to Congress in a criminal case that has intensified scrutiny of the Justice Department’s role in targeting President Donald Trump’s political opponents.

The case has fueled concerns that the Justice Department is being weaponized to pursue Trump’s adversaries, allegedly at the direction of a White House intent on retribution for perceived slights against the president.

Comey entered his plea through an attorney at the federal courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia, responding to charges that he lied to Congress five years ago.

The move sets off a legal battle in which defense lawyers are expected to seek dismissal of the indictment, potentially arguing it amounts to selective or vi

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