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Former Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the former director has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to congressional representatives and hindering a congressional proceeding.

The former director's attorney filed the plea representing him in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.

Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would seek to have the proceedings dismissed for various causes including that his defendant, a critic of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

Mr Comey was charged soon after Trump pressured his attorney general to take action against him.

Court Developments

During the hearing on mid-week, his attorney the legal representative told the court they aimed to file several petitions to throw out the legal matter before a legal hearing, arguing the prosecution was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was unlawfully designated to take over the case.

The former director's proceedings was first handled by the original attorney, who resigned under scrutiny from the former president after his examination into another opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - did not succeed to file indictments.

Judicial Environment

Mr Comey seemed in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the court on mid-week, speaking with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was supported by his partner, Patrice Failor and child Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration terminated.

Upon hearing to the judge read his constitutional guarantees and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, James Comey was questioned if he comprehended the accusations.

"Yes your honour. Appreciate it," he stated to the proceedings.

Previous Events

Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was terminated about a few months into Trump's first term as president. At the time, Mr Comey was overseeing an investigation into international campaign influence and whether there were any relationships between Russia and the election effort.

While in office, Mr Comey triggered a backlash from Democrats when he stated just shortly prior to the 2016 presidential election that he was examining presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Charges against Clinton were not pursued, resulting in criticism from Republicans as well.

Present Charges

Government attorneys assert the former director gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a congressional hearing in September 2020 when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he misled the legislative body by stating he had not authorized someone at the agency to leak to journalistic entities data about the agency probes.

Prosecutors also allege James Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to affect, obstruct and delay" the panel by providing untrue information to it.

Individual Responses

Through a recording the former director shared to his Instagram after he was accused, he said he was wrongly accused and charged the former president of conducting himself like a "tyrant".

"We have known for years that there are consequences to challenging Donald Trump," he commented. "We choose not to live on our knees."

"I have done nothing wrong," he continued. "Thus initiate a legal proceeding."

The accusations against Mr Comey emerged after Donald Trump published on online platforms calling for his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, charge Mr Comey and others.