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Ex- FBI chief James Comey has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and hindering a lawmaking procedure.

Mr Comey's attorney filed the answer on his behalf in a federal court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.

Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would attempt to have the proceedings terminated for multiple causes including that his defendant, a critic of President Donald Trump, was being singled out.

James Comey was formally accused just days after the former president pushed his attorney general to take action against him.

Judicial Process

During the hearing on Wednesday, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald told the judge they intended to submit various motions to throw out the proceedings before a legal hearing, arguing the prosecution was retaliatory and that a government lawyer was unlawfully designated to handle the proceedings.

The former director's case was first handled by a Virginia prosecutor, who resigned under pressure from Donald Trump after his probe into a different rival - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to bring criminal charges.

Legal Setting

James Comey seemed in good spirits as he walked into the court on mid-week, conversing with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was supported by his spouse, Mrs Failor and child Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the former government recently fired.

Following the reading to the court recite his legal protections and the two counts against him in court on mid-week, James Comey was asked if he understood the accusations.

"I do your honour. Thank you very much," he informed the judge.

Historical Information

Mr Comey was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was dismissed about several months into Trump's first administration as national leader. At the moment, the director was overseeing an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between Moscow and the election effort.

While in office, the director sparked a counter-response from the Democratic party when he announced just immediately preceding the 2016 election that he was examining political contender Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against Clinton were not pursued, causing criticism from the Republican party as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Government attorneys claim the former director gave untrue statements to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in 2020 when he was being questioned about both the Clinton investigation as well as the Russia election probe. They allege he misled the Senate by stating he had not approved someone at the agency to leak to news outlets information about the agency probes.

Government lawyers also allege Mr Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to affect, obstruct and slow" the committee by providing untrue information to it.

Public Statements

Through a recording the former director posted to his online platform after he was indicted, he declared he was innocent and alleged Donald Trump of acting like a "autocrat".

"Our household have understood for considerable time that there are consequences to opposing Donald Trump," he commented. "We refuse to live on our kneeling."

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

These allegations against James Comey came after Donald Trump shared on social media demanding his attorney general, Pam Bondi, charge James Comey and other people.