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Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to US legislators and hindering a lawmaking procedure.

The former director's legal representative submitted the answer representing him in a US district court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.

The defense lawyer declared he would seek to have the legal matter terminated for various causes including that his the accused, a opponent of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was formally accused soon after Donald Trump urged his chief prosecutor to move forward against him.

Court Developments

At the proceedings on mid-week, the defense counsel Mr Fitzgerald told the court they aimed to submit several petitions to terminate the proceedings before a trial, stating the legal action was vindictive and that a US attorney was unlawfully designated to handle the legal matter.

Mr Comey's legal matter was initially overseen by the original attorney, who left his position under pressure from Donald Trump after his investigation into another political adversary - the New York official - failed to initiate prosecution.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the legal venue on mid-week, conversing with his legal team and being lighthearted. He was supported by his spouse, his wife and offspring his daughter, a US lawyer who the former government terminated.

Following the reading to the court read his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, the defendant was questioned if he understood the accusations.

"Absolutely your honour. Appreciate it," he told the proceedings.

Background Context

James Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was terminated about a few months into Donald Trump's initial presidency as national leader. At the moment, the director was directing an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between Russia and the presidential campaign.

Throughout his leadership, Mr Comey sparked a negative reaction from liberal politicians when he announced just immediately preceding the national vote that he was probing presidential nominee the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against Clinton were not filed, leading to criticism from the Republican party as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Government attorneys assert the former director provided false information to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he deceived the upper house by claiming he had not permitted a person at the agency to disclose to media organizations information about the government examinations.

Prosecutors also allege the defendant of "corruptly endeavoring to sway, obstruct and impede" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.

Public Statements

In a video Mr Comey posted to his online platform after he was accused, he said he was not guilty and accused Donald Trump of behaving like a "autocrat".

"Our household have been aware for a long time that there are consequences to opposing Mr Trump," he commented. "We choose not to live on our kneeling."

"I am not guilty," he continued. "Thus initiate a trial."

The charges against James Comey came after Donald Trump posted on digital channels calling for his attorney general, Ms Bondi, charge James Comey and other people.