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Former Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to US legislators and obstructing a legislative process.

Mr Comey's attorney entered the answer acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.

Patrick Fitzgerald announced he would attempt to have the proceedings thrown out for various reasons including that his client, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

James Comey was formally accused just days after Donald Trump pressured his top legal official to move forward against him.

Court Developments

In court on Wednesday, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald advised the court they aimed to submit various motions to dismiss the proceedings before a court case, claiming the legal action was retaliatory and that a government lawyer was improperly appointed to handle the proceedings.

James Comey's case was initially handled by Erik Siebert, who stepped down under influence from Donald Trump after his examination into an additional opponent - the New York official - was unable to file indictments.

Judicial Environment

Mr Comey came across in optimistic frame of mind as he walked into the legal venue on mid-week, chatting with his lawyers and making jokes. He was supported by his wife, Mrs Failor and offspring Maureen, a federal prosecutor who the former government recently fired.

Upon hearing to the court recite his rights and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, James Comey was inquired if he grasped the accusations.

"Absolutely your honour. Thank you very much," he told the court.

Historical Information

James Comey was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was dismissed about a few months into the former president's first term as national leader. At the period, he was leading an examination into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between Moscow and the presidential campaign.

During his tenure, the director triggered a backlash from liberal politicians when he declared just shortly prior to the 2016 presidential election that he was examining political contender the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Charges against Hillary Clinton were never brought, causing disapproval from conservative politicians as well.

Present Charges

The federal government allege James Comey gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in September 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the previous examination as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They allege he provided false information to the legislative body by claiming he had not authorized an individual at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to news outlets details about the FBI investigations.

Legal representatives also accuse Mr Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to sway, block and slow" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.

Individual Responses

In a video the former director shared to his social media after he was accused, he stated he was wrongly accused and alleged the former president of conducting himself like a "autocrat".

"Our household have been aware for a long time that there are consequences to challenging the former president," he stated. "We choose not to live on our kneeling."

"I'm innocent," he continued. "Therefore proceed with a court case."

These allegations against James Comey surfaced after Donald Trump shared on digital channels insisting on his top legal official, Pam Bondi, charge Mr Comey and additional individuals.