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Former Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the former director has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

His lawyer filed the answer on his behalf in a federal court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.

The defense lawyer declared he would try to have the case thrown out for multiple reasons including that his defendant, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was charged just days after the former president pressured his attorney general to take action against him.

Legal Proceedings

At the proceedings on mid-week, Comey's lawyer the legal representative informed the court they intended to submit multiple motions to terminate the case before a trial, stating the legal action was spiteful and that a US attorney was unlawfully designated to assume control of the case.

James Comey's legal matter was initially handled by the original attorney, who left his position under influence from Trump after his examination into an additional rival - the New York official - did not succeed to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey seemed in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the courtroom on Wednesday, conversing with his lawyers and making jokes. He was joined by his partner, Mrs Failor and daughter his daughter, a US lawyer who the Trump administration recently fired.

After listening to the court state his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in court on mid-week, the defendant was asked if he comprehended the charges.

"Absolutely your honour. Thank you very much," he stated to the judge.

Historical Information

James Comey was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was dismissed about a few months into the former president's first administration as national leader. At the time, Mr Comey was directing an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any connections between Russia and the election effort.

While in office, the director sparked a counter-response from Democrats when he declared just immediately preceding the national vote that he was probing presidential nominee the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against Clinton were not filed, leading to negative feedback from the Republican party as well.

Present Charges

Government attorneys assert James Comey provided false information to the legislature during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in 2020 when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he misled the Senate by saying he had not permitted someone at the FBI to leak to journalistic entities details about the agency probes.

Prosecutors also allege the defendant of "wrongfully trying to sway, block and slow" the legislative group by giving misleading testimony to it.

Personal Comments

Via social media James Comey shared to his Instagram after he was indicted, he said he was wrongly accused and charged Trump of behaving like a "dictator".

"My family and I have been aware for years that there are ramifications to challenging Mr Trump," he said. "We refuse to live on our bended knee."

"I'm innocent," he stated further. "So let's have a legal proceeding."

The accusations against Mr Comey emerged after Trump shared on social media demanding his chief prosecutor, Ms Bondi, charge Mr Comey and other people.