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Previous FBI chief James the former director has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to lawmakers and impeding a lawmaking procedure.

Mr Comey's legal representative entered the answer acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

Patrick Fitzgerald announced he would attempt to have the case dismissed for various causes including that his defendant, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

James Comey was indicted soon after the former president pushed his chief prosecutor to move forward against him.

Court Developments

At the proceedings on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald informed the court they aimed to file multiple legal requests to terminate the legal matter before a legal hearing, stating the prosecution was retaliatory and that a government lawyer was improperly designated to assume control of the proceedings.

The former director's proceedings was initially managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under influence from Trump after his probe into a different political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to file indictments.

Judicial Environment

James Comey appeared in positive mood as he came into the court on mid-week, conversing with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was joined by his partner, his wife and daughter Maureen, a government attorney who the previous administration recently fired.

Upon hearing to the court state his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, James Comey was asked if he grasped the accusations.

"I do your honour. Appreciate it," he told the judge.

Historical Information

Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was dismissed about a few months into Trump's initial presidency as commander-in-chief. At the period, the director was overseeing an examination into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between Russia and the presidential campaign.

During his tenure, James Comey caused a negative reaction from liberal politicians when he announced just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was investigating political contender the candidate's use of a personal email system. Legal actions against Clinton were not filed, leading to disapproval from conservative politicians as well.

Ongoing Accusations

The federal government claim the former director provided false information to Congress during a congressional hearing in September 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the previous examination as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he deceived the Senate by stating he had not permitted someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to news outlets information about the government examinations.

Government lawyers also charge the defendant of "corruptly endeavoring to affect, obstruct and impede" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.

Public Statements

Through a recording James Comey published to his Instagram after he was charged, he stated he was innocent and accused Trump of acting like a "dictator".

"Our household have known for considerable time that there are costs to opposing Donald Trump," he stated. "We will not live on our kneeling."

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

These allegations against the former director emerged after Trump shared on online platforms demanding his chief prosecutor, Ms Bondi, charge James Comey and additional individuals.