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Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James Comey has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to lawmakers and hindering a legislative process.

The former director's attorney submitted the answer on his behalf in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

The defense lawyer stated he would attempt to have the case thrown out for multiple reasons including that his client, a opponent of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

Mr Comey was charged just days after Trump pressured his top legal official to take action against him.

Legal Proceedings

In court on Wednesday, his attorney the legal representative informed the judge they intended to present several petitions to throw out the legal matter before a court case, stating the government's case was vindictive and that a government lawyer was unlawfully designated to take over the proceedings.

James Comey's case was first overseen by the original attorney, who stepped down under pressure from the former president after his examination into a different opponent - the New York official - failed to initiate prosecution.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey came across in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the courtroom on Wednesday, chatting with his attorneys and making jokes. He was joined by his wife, Patrice Failor and daughter Maureen, a government attorney who the former government dismissed.

Following the reading to the judge state his rights and the pair of allegations against him in court on mid-week, Mr Comey was inquired if he understood the accusations.

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

Historical Information

James Comey was the head of the FBI from four years and was dismissed about several months into Trump's first term as national leader. At the time, the director was leading an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between the Russian government and the election effort.

Throughout his leadership, Mr Comey caused a backlash from the Democratic party when he stated just shortly prior to the national vote that he was examining Democratic candidate Clinton's use of a private email server. Indictments against Clinton were not pursued, causing criticism from Republicans as well.

Present Charges

Government attorneys assert the former director lied to the legislature during a congressional hearing in 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They allege he deceived the upper house by stating he had not authorized a person at the FBI to release to journalistic entities information about the FBI investigations.

Government lawyers also accuse James Comey of "wrongfully trying to sway, hinder and delay" the legislative group by giving misleading testimony to it.

Individual Responses

Via social media James Comey posted to his online platform after he was charged, he declared he was not guilty and charged the former president of behaving like a "autocrat".

"My family and I have been aware for a long time that there are costs to standing up to Mr Trump," he commented. "We will not live on our kneeling."

"I have done nothing wrong," he continued. "So let's have a legal proceeding."

These allegations against Mr Comey surfaced after Donald Trump shared on online platforms calling for his top legal official, Ms Bondi, take legal action against the former director and other people.