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Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and hindering a lawmaking procedure.

His legal representative filed the answer representing him in a federal court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.

His attorney declared he would try to have the proceedings dismissed for various reasons including that his client, a critic of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was indicted just days after Donald Trump pressured his attorney general to proceed against him.

Court Developments

In court on mid-week, the defense counsel Mr Fitzgerald told the magistrate they planned to file various legal requests to throw out the case before a court case, stating the government's case was spiteful and that a government lawyer was wrongfully designated to take over the proceedings.

Mr Comey's proceedings was originally handled by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under influence from Donald Trump after his probe into an additional rival - NY AG Letitia James - failed to initiate prosecution.

Courtroom Atmosphere

Mr Comey appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he walked into the courtroom on Wednesday, conversing with his legal team and sharing humor. He was supported by his wife, Patrice Failor and daughter Maureen Comey, a US lawyer who the previous administration terminated.

Following the reading to the court read his legal protections and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, James Comey was inquired if he grasped the charges.

"I do your honour. Thank you," he stated to the proceedings.

Historical Information

Mr Comey was the FBI Director from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about four months into Donald Trump's first administration as president. At the period, the director was directing an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between Moscow and the election effort.

While in office, the director caused a counter-response from Democrats when he announced just shortly prior to the national vote that he was investigating Democratic candidate Clinton's use of a private email server. Legal actions against the candidate were not filed, causing disapproval from the Republican party as well.

Present Charges

Prosecutors allege Mr Comey gave untrue statements to the legislature during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he provided false information to the legislative body by claiming he had not permitted someone at the FBI to release to media organizations data about the agency probes.

Legal representatives also charge Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to affect, block and impede" the legislative group by making false statements to it.

Individual Responses

Through a recording the former director posted to his Instagram after he was accused, he stated he was not guilty and alleged Donald Trump of conducting himself like a "tyrant".

"Our household have understood for considerable time that there are ramifications to standing up to Mr Trump," he stated. "We will not live on our kneeling."

"I have done nothing wrong," he stated further. "Therefore proceed with a court case."

The charges against the former director surfaced after Donald Trump posted on digital channels insisting on his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, prosecute the former director and other people.