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Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to lawmakers and hindering a congressional proceeding.

His attorney filed the response acting as his counsel in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

His attorney announced 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 formally accused soon after Trump pushed his chief prosecutor to move forward against him.

Legal Proceedings

During the hearing on Wednesday, the defense counsel the legal representative advised the judge they planned to present multiple petitions to dismiss the legal matter before a trial, arguing the government's case was vindictive and that a government lawyer was improperly assigned to assume control of the proceedings.

James Comey's legal matter was first managed by the original attorney, who resigned under scrutiny from the former president after his investigation into another political adversary - the New York official - did not succeed to bring criminal charges.

Courtroom Atmosphere

The former director appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the legal venue on mid-week, chatting with his attorneys and being lighthearted. He was accompanied by his spouse, Mrs Failor and child Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration recently fired.

Upon hearing to the court recite his constitutional guarantees and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, James Comey was questioned if he comprehended the accusations.

"Absolutely your honour. Thank you," he informed the proceedings.

Background Context

Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was terminated about a few months into Donald Trump's first administration as president. At the time, Mr Comey was leading an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between Moscow and the election effort.

During his tenure, James Comey caused a negative reaction from Democrats when he announced just days before the national vote that he was examining presidential nominee Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against the candidate were not pursued, causing negative feedback from Republicans as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Prosecutors allege the former director lied to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being examined about both the previous examination as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he provided false information to the legislative body by claiming he had not authorized someone at the agency to leak to news outlets data about the FBI investigations.

Government lawyers also accuse Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to affect, block and slow" the panel by making false statements to it.

Public Statements

Via social media the former director posted to his social media after he was indicted, he stated he was not guilty and alleged Trump of acting like a "autocrat".

"My family and I have been aware for considerable time that there are consequences to standing up to Donald Trump," he said. "We refuse to live on our bended knee."

"I'm innocent," he added. "So let's have a legal proceeding."

The charges against the former director surfaced after Trump posted on social media calling for his top legal official, the attorney general, charge Mr Comey and additional individuals.