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Previous FBI director James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and obstructing a lawmaking procedure.

The former director's attorney filed the plea representing him in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.

His attorney stated he would seek to have the proceedings terminated for several reasons including that his client, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being singled out.

The former director was indicted soon after the former president pressured his attorney general to proceed against him.

Judicial Process

At the proceedings on mid-week, his attorney the legal representative advised the judge they intended to submit various legal requests to dismiss the legal matter before a trial, arguing the prosecution was retaliatory and that a federal prosecutor was wrongfully appointed to assume control of the case.

The former director's case was originally managed by the original attorney, who left his position under scrutiny from Donald Trump after his examination into a different opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - was unable to bring criminal charges.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey seemed in optimistic frame of mind as he walked into the courtroom on Wednesday, conversing with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was joined by his partner, Patrice Failor and daughter Maureen Comey, a US lawyer who the previous administration recently fired.

Following the reading to the magistrate state his legal protections and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, Mr Comey was questioned if he grasped the charges.

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

Background Context

The former director was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was dismissed about four months into Trump's initial presidency as commander-in-chief. At the period, he was leading an examination into international campaign influence and whether there were any links between Russia and the election effort.

While in office, James Comey triggered a negative reaction from Democrats when he announced just immediately preceding the 2016 election that he was investigating presidential nominee Clinton's use of a private email server. Legal actions against the candidate were not pursued, leading to criticism from conservative politicians as well.

Current Allegations

The federal government allege Mr Comey provided false information to the legislature during a congressional hearing in 2020 when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the election interference investigation. They claim he provided false information to the Senate by claiming he had not authorized an individual at the FBI to disclose to journalistic entities data about the government examinations.

Legal representatives also charge James Comey of "wrongfully trying to affect, block and delay" the legislative group by giving misleading testimony to it.

Public Statements

Through a recording the former director published to his social media after he was charged, he said he was wrongly accused and accused Trump of behaving like a "dictator".

"Our household have known for years that there are costs to standing up to Mr Trump," he stated. "We refuse to live on our kneeling."

"I have done nothing wrong," he continued. "Therefore proceed with a court case."

The charges against James Comey came after Trump shared on social media demanding his top legal official, Pam Bondi, prosecute Mr Comey and additional individuals.