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Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the former director has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and impeding a congressional proceeding.

His legal representative submitted the plea representing him in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.

His attorney announced he would attempt to have the legal matter dismissed for multiple causes including that his defendant, a critic of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was formally accused just days after Donald Trump pushed his top legal official to proceed against him.

Court Developments

In court on Wednesday, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald told the court they planned to present several petitions to dismiss the case before a court case, stating the government's case was spiteful and that a US attorney was wrongfully appointed to assume control of the case.

The former director's legal matter was initially overseen by Erik Siebert, who stepped down under influence from Trump after his examination into a different political adversary - New York Attorney General Letitia James - did not succeed to initiate prosecution.

Legal Setting

James Comey appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he walked into the legal venue on Wednesday, chatting with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was supported by his spouse, his wife and child his daughter, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration recently fired.

After listening to the court recite his rights and the two counts against him in court on mid-week, the defendant was asked if he comprehended the charges.

"Absolutely your honour. Thank you very much," he informed the court.

Background Context

James Comey was the FBI Director from four years and was fired about several months into Donald Trump's initial presidency as national leader. At the moment, he was directing an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between Russia and the presidential campaign.

During his tenure, Mr Comey sparked a negative reaction from liberal politicians when he declared just immediately preceding the national vote that he was probing political contender Clinton's use of a private email server. Indictments against Clinton were never brought, leading to negative feedback from Republicans as well.

Current Allegations

Government attorneys allege James Comey lied to the legislature during a congressional hearing in September 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the previous examination as well as the election interference investigation. They claim he provided false information to the upper house by saying he had not permitted a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to leak to media organizations details about the FBI investigations.

Government lawyers also charge Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to affect, hinder and slow" the committee by providing untrue information to it.

Personal Comments

Through a recording Mr Comey published to his online platform after he was accused, he stated he was innocent and accused Trump of acting like a "tyrant".

"We have understood for considerable time that there are consequences to challenging the former president," he stated. "We will not live on our knees."

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

The accusations against James Comey surfaced after Donald Trump posted on social media insisting on his attorney general, Pam Bondi, charge Mr Comey and additional individuals.