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Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to lawmakers and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

The former director's legal representative entered the response on his behalf in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

The defense lawyer stated he would seek to have the case dismissed for various reasons including that his the accused, a opponent of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was charged just days after the former president urged his top legal official to move forward against him.

Judicial Process

In court on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Patrick Fitzgerald advised the judge they intended to present multiple petitions to terminate the legal matter before a court case, stating the prosecution was retaliatory and that a US attorney was unlawfully assigned to handle the case.

Mr Comey's proceedings was originally managed by Erik Siebert, who stepped down under pressure from Donald Trump after his investigation into another rival - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

Mr Comey appeared in positive mood as he came into the court on Wednesday, conversing with his legal team and sharing humor. He was accompanied by his wife, Patrice Failor and offspring Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the former government terminated.

Upon hearing to the judge state his rights and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, Mr Comey was questioned if he understood the allegations.

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

Background Context

The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was fired about several months into Trump's first term as commander-in-chief. At the time, he was overseeing an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and Trump's campaign.

During his tenure, Mr Comey triggered a backlash from liberal politicians when he declared just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was probing Democratic candidate Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against Clinton were never brought, resulting in disapproval from the Republican party as well.

Current Allegations

Prosecutors assert the former director 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 allege he deceived the Senate by claiming he had not approved someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to leak to news outlets details about the agency probes.

Prosecutors also allege the defendant of "corruptly endeavoring to affect, obstruct and delay" the legislative group by making false statements to it.

Personal Comments

Via social media James Comey shared to his social media after he was indicted, he declared he was innocent and accused Donald Trump of acting like a "autocrat".

"Our household have known for years that there are consequences to opposing the former president," he said. "We will not live on our knees."

"I have done nothing wrong," he continued. "Thus initiate a trial."

These allegations against the former director emerged after the former president shared on digital channels insisting on his attorney general, Ms Bondi, prosecute the former director and others.