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Greetings and welcome our live updates of United States government affairs with one-time Federal Bureau of Investigation Chief Comey expected to attend his inaugural court hearing in a Department of Justice prosecution charging him with lied to the U.S. Congress half a decade ago.

Legal Proceedings and Expected Developments

The arraignment is projected to be concise, per AP news agency, but the moment is nonetheless packed with historical importance since the prosecution has amplified worries that the Department of Justice is being employed politically in targeting Donald Trump's government critics.

James Comey is anticipated to plead not guilty at the U.S. district court in Alexandria, Virginia, and his legal team will undoubtedly move to dismiss the case ahead of proceedings, possibly by arguing that the legal action amounts to a selective or retaliatory criminal case.

Specific Allegations and Court Contentions

The dual-count indictment claims that James Comey provided untrue information to the Senate judicial panel on the fall of 2020, by claiming he didn't authorized an associate to serve as an confidential informant to the news media, and that he obstructed a legislative process.

The former director has denied any wrongdoing and has said he was eager for a court trial. The indictment does not identify the person or say what material may have been shared with the press.

Governmental Setting and Broader Implications

Although formal accusations are normally just the beginning of a lengthy legal process, the DOJ has trumpeted the circumstance itself as something of a win.

Trump administration officials are likely to cite any conviction as evidence the legal matter was properly founded, but an acquittal or even charge dismissal may also be presented as further support for their persistent contention that the criminal justice system is prejudiced toward them.

Court Selection and Partisan Reactions

The presiding judge randomly assigned to the proceedings, Nachmanoff, is a current administration appointee. Known for methodical preparation and a calm demeanor, the judicial officer and his background have already drawn the commander-in-chief's attention, with Trump criticizing him as a "President Biden selected Judge."

Additional Political Developments

• The former president had a meeting with the Canada's leader, Carney, and lightheartedly proposed him to accept "combining" of their both nations
• Trump indicated that he might not follow a statute mandating that government staff without pay will receive back pay after the government shutdown finishes
• Congressional leader Speaker Johnson stated that his determination to postpone swearing in congresswoman-elect Grijalva of the state of Arizona has "no relation" with the fact that she would be the 218th signature on the both parties legislative petition
• Kristi Noem, the DHS secretary, visited the immigration enforcement location in Oregon's Portland joined by conservative influencers

During the five-hour testimony, Attorney General Bondi declined to discuss many of the administration's disputed actions, notwithstanding continual interrogation from the Democratic senators

When challenged, she personally attacked multiple lawmakers from the minority or cited the continuing budget impasse to characterize them as careless.

Global Developments

Meanwhile in Egypt, a US delegation has joined the indirect talks taking place between Hamas and Israel on Trump's Gaza plan with the most recent development that held individuals registries have been shared.