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

Mr Comey's attorney entered the answer acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.

His attorney stated he would try to have the proceedings terminated for multiple factors including that his defendant, a critic of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

James Comey was indicted soon after the former president urged his attorney general to proceed against him.

Court Developments

In court on Wednesday, the defense counsel the legal representative informed the magistrate they intended to submit several motions to throw out the legal matter before a legal hearing, claiming the government's case was retaliatory and that a government lawyer was improperly assigned to assume control of the proceedings.

James Comey's legal matter was initially overseen by Erik Siebert, who stepped down under influence from the former president after his examination into a different opponent - the New York official - was unable to bring criminal charges.

Legal Setting

The former director seemed in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the legal venue on mid-week, chatting with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was accompanied by his spouse, Mrs Failor and child Maureen, a government attorney who the former government terminated.

After listening to the court recite his constitutional guarantees and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, Mr Comey was asked if he understood the charges.

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

Background Context

James Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was fired about a few months into Trump's first administration as president. At the moment, Mr Comey was directing an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between Russia and the presidential campaign.

While in office, the director caused a counter-response from liberal politicians when he announced just shortly prior to the national vote that he was examining Democratic candidate Clinton's use of a personal email system. Legal actions against Clinton were not pursued, causing criticism from conservative politicians as well.

Current Allegations

Prosecutors claim the former director provided false information to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They allege he provided false information to the Senate by claiming he had not permitted an individual at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to journalistic entities data about the FBI investigations.

Prosecutors also charge Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to sway, block and delay" the panel by providing untrue information to it.

Individual Responses

Via social media the former director published to his social media after he was accused, he stated he was innocent and alleged the former president of conducting himself like a "tyrant".

"We have understood for considerable time that there are ramifications to challenging Mr Trump," he commented. "We will not live on our knees."

"I'm innocent," he stated further. "Therefore proceed with a trial."

The accusations against Mr Comey came after Trump posted on social media demanding his chief prosecutor, Ms Bondi, charge Mr Comey and others.