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Ex- FBI chief James the former director has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and obstructing a legislative process.

His attorney submitted the response representing him in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

The defense lawyer declared he would seek to have the legal matter thrown out for various factors including that his defendant, a critic of Donald Trump, was being targeted.

Mr Comey was charged shortly after Donald Trump pressured his chief prosecutor to proceed against him.

Legal Proceedings

In court on Wednesday, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald informed the judge they intended to submit multiple legal requests to dismiss the case before a court case, claiming the legal action was vindictive and that a government lawyer was wrongfully assigned to assume control of the proceedings.

Mr Comey's legal matter was first managed by the original attorney, who left his position under scrutiny from Trump after his investigation into a different opponent - the New York official - failed to initiate prosecution.

Legal Setting

James Comey appeared in good spirits as he entered the court on Wednesday, conversing with his attorneys and making jokes. He was accompanied by his partner, his wife and offspring Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the Trump administration terminated.

After listening to the judge recite his rights and the two counts against him in court on Wednesday, the defendant was asked if he comprehended the allegations.

"Absolutely your honour. Appreciate it," he stated to the judge.

Historical Information

Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about a few months into Donald Trump's initial presidency as national leader. At the period, the director was directing an investigation into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between Russia and the election effort.

Throughout his leadership, the director sparked a counter-response from liberal politicians when he stated just immediately preceding the 2016 election that he was examining presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, causing disapproval from Republicans as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Prosecutors allege James Comey lied to US lawmakers during a congressional hearing in 2020 when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the election interference investigation. They allege he provided false information to the Senate by stating he had not permitted someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to leak to journalistic entities information about the agency probes.

Government lawyers also charge the defendant of "improperly attempting to affect, block and slow" the committee by making false statements to it.

Personal Comments

Via social media the former director shared to his Instagram after he was indicted, he declared he was wrongly accused and accused Donald Trump of conducting himself like a "tyrant".

"My family and I have understood for a long time that there are ramifications to opposing the former president," he said. "We choose not to live on our knees."

"I am not guilty," he continued. "Therefore proceed with a court case."

The accusations against the former director emerged after the former president posted on online platforms calling for his top legal official, Pam Bondi, prosecute Mr Comey and additional individuals.