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Ex- FBI chief James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and impeding a legislative process.

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

The defense lawyer announced he would try to have the proceedings dismissed for multiple factors including that his client, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was formally accused soon after the former president pressured his chief prosecutor to proceed against him.

Judicial Process

During the hearing on mid-week, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald advised the court they intended to present several legal requests to throw out the proceedings before a trial, stating the legal action was vindictive and that a government lawyer was wrongfully designated to assume control of the case.

James Comey's case was first managed by Erik Siebert, who left his position under pressure from the former president after his examination into another opponent - the New York official - did not succeed to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

Mr Comey appeared in good spirits as he entered the legal venue on mid-week, speaking with his attorneys and making jokes. He was joined by his partner, his wife and child Maureen, a federal prosecutor who the Trump administration recently fired.

After listening to the judge recite his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, James Comey was asked if he comprehended the charges.

"Absolutely your honour. Thank you," he told the court.

Background Context

James Comey was the FBI Director from four years and was terminated about several months into Trump's first term as national leader. At the period, he was leading an probe into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between Moscow and the election effort.

Throughout his leadership, James Comey caused a backlash from the Democratic party when he announced just days before the 2016 election that he was probing political contender Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, leading to negative feedback from conservative politicians as well.

Ongoing Accusations

The federal government assert Mr Comey provided false information to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in 2020 when he was being examined about both the Clinton investigation as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They allege he provided false information to the legislative body by claiming he had not approved someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to news outlets data about the government examinations.

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

Personal Comments

In a video James Comey posted to his Instagram after he was accused, he stated he was wrongly accused and alleged the former president of behaving like a "dictator".

"Our household have known for years that there are ramifications to challenging Mr Trump," he stated. "We will not live on our knees."

"I am not guilty," he stated further. "Therefore proceed with a trial."

The accusations against the former director came after the former president posted on online platforms calling for his top legal official, Ms Bondi, charge James Comey and additional individuals.