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Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the former director has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to lawmakers and obstructing a legislative process.

Mr Comey's attorney submitted the answer representing him in a US district court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday morning.

His attorney stated he would seek to have the proceedings thrown out for multiple causes including that his the accused, a opponent of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

Mr Comey was indicted soon after Trump urged his attorney general to move forward against him.

Court Developments

During the hearing on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer the legal representative advised the court they intended to submit various motions to throw out the case before a court case, arguing the government's case was retaliatory and that a US attorney was unlawfully designated to assume control of the proceedings.

James Comey's legal matter was first managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who stepped down under pressure from Trump after his investigation into another opponent - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to bring criminal charges.

Judicial Environment

Mr Comey appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the courtroom on Wednesday, speaking with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was supported by his partner, Mrs Failor and daughter his daughter, a US lawyer who the Trump administration recently fired.

Upon hearing to the magistrate state his rights and the two counts against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, Mr Comey was questioned if he understood the accusations.

"I do your honour. Thank you," he stated to the judge.

Background Context

James Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013-2017 and was terminated about a few months into Donald Trump's initial presidency as commander-in-chief. At the moment, he was directing an probe into international campaign influence and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and the election effort.

During his tenure, the director triggered a counter-response from the Democratic party when he announced just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was investigating Democratic candidate Clinton's use of a personal email system. Charges against Clinton were not pursued, causing negative feedback from the Republican party as well.

Current Allegations

Prosecutors allege James Comey gave untrue statements to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he provided false information to the upper house by claiming he had not permitted an individual at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to leak to media organizations information about the FBI investigations.

Government lawyers also accuse James Comey of "wrongfully trying to affect, obstruct and delay" the panel by providing untrue information to it.

Individual Responses

Through a recording Mr Comey posted to his social media after he was accused, he stated he was innocent and accused Trump of behaving like a "tyrant".

"My family and I have understood for a long time that there are costs to opposing Donald Trump," he stated. "We choose not to live on our knees."

"I'm innocent," he continued. "Therefore proceed with a court case."

The accusations against the former director came after the former president shared on digital channels insisting on his top legal official, the attorney general, prosecute James Comey and others.