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Former Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the former director has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

The former director's lawyer submitted the plea acting as his counsel in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

The defense lawyer stated he would try to have the case dismissed for multiple causes including that his defendant, a critic of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was indicted shortly after Trump urged his attorney general to proceed against him.

Legal Proceedings

During the hearing on mid-week, Comey's lawyer Patrick Fitzgerald informed the judge they aimed to file several petitions to terminate the proceedings before a legal hearing, claiming the legal action was vindictive and that a US attorney was unlawfully appointed to assume control of the proceedings.

Mr Comey's case was first overseen by Erik Siebert, who left his position under pressure from Trump after his examination into a different political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - failed to file indictments.

Legal Setting

Mr Comey seemed in good spirits as he came into the court on mid-week, conversing with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was joined by his partner, Patrice Failor and offspring Maureen, a government attorney who the former government dismissed.

Upon hearing to the judge read his rights and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, James Comey was asked if he grasped the accusations.

"I do your honour. Thank you," he informed the court.

Background Context

The former director was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about several months into Trump's first term as national leader. At the period, the director was directing an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between Russia and the election effort.

While in office, the director sparked a backlash from liberal politicians when he announced just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was examining Democratic candidate the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Charges against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, causing disapproval from conservative politicians as well.

Current Allegations

Prosecutors assert James Comey gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in September 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the previous examination as well as the election interference investigation. They claim he misled the legislative body by stating he had not approved a person at the agency to leak to media organizations details about the government examinations.

Legal representatives also allege the defendant of "improperly attempting to sway, hinder and impede" the committee by providing untrue information to it.

Public Statements

In a video Mr Comey posted to his Instagram after he was charged, he declared he was innocent and alleged the former president of acting like a "autocrat".

"Our household have known for considerable time that there are ramifications to opposing Donald Trump," he commented. "We refuse to live on our bended knee."

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

The charges against Mr Comey came after Trump shared on online platforms calling for his chief prosecutor, Ms Bondi, take legal action against Mr Comey and others.