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Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the ex-FBI chief has entered an innocent plea to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and hindering a legislative process.

The former director's lawyer entered the answer acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.

His attorney announced he would attempt to have the case dismissed for various causes including that his the accused, a critic of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

Mr Comey was formally accused just days after Donald Trump pressured his top legal official to move forward against him.

Legal Proceedings

During the hearing on Wednesday, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald told the judge they planned to file multiple petitions to terminate the proceedings before a trial, claiming the prosecution was spiteful and that a federal prosecutor was improperly designated to handle the case.

Mr Comey's legal matter was first managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under influence from Donald Trump after his examination into a different rival - New York Attorney General Letitia James - was unable to file indictments.

Judicial Environment

Mr Comey came across in positive mood as he came into the court on Wednesday, chatting with his attorneys and making jokes. He was accompanied by his partner, Patrice Failor and child his daughter, a federal prosecutor who the Trump administration terminated.

Upon hearing to the judge recite his legal protections and the dual charges against him in court on Wednesday, Mr Comey was asked if he understood the charges.

"Absolutely your honour. Thank you very much," he told the proceedings.

Historical Information

The former director was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was terminated about four months into Donald Trump's first administration as national leader. At the time, he was leading an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between the Russian government and the election effort.

During his tenure, Mr Comey sparked a counter-response from Democrats when he declared just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was examining presidential nominee the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Charges against the candidate were not filed, leading to negative feedback from the Republican party as well.

Current Allegations

The federal government claim Mr Comey provided false information to the legislature 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 claim he misled the Senate by stating he had not authorized someone at the agency to disclose to media organizations details about the agency probes.

Prosecutors also charge James Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, block and delay" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.

Personal Comments

In a video James Comey posted to his Instagram after he was accused, he said he was wrongly accused and charged Trump of behaving like a "dictator".

"My family and I have been aware for a long time that there are ramifications to opposing the former president," he said. "We choose not to live on our knees."

"I am not guilty," he stated further. "So let's have a court case."

The charges against the former director came after Donald Trump published on digital channels demanding his chief prosecutor, the attorney general, charge Mr Comey and others.