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Previous FBI director James the former director has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to lawmakers and obstructing a lawmaking procedure.

The former director's attorney filed the answer representing him in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

Patrick Fitzgerald announced he would seek to have the proceedings dismissed for several causes including that his the accused, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

Mr Comey was indicted just days after Donald Trump pressured his chief prosecutor to move forward against him.

Court Developments

During the hearing on Wednesday, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald informed the magistrate they intended to submit multiple motions to terminate the legal matter before a trial, stating the legal action was spiteful and that a US attorney was wrongfully assigned to take over the proceedings.

The former director's proceedings was initially managed by the original attorney, who stepped down under pressure from Donald Trump after his probe into a different political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

Mr Comey appeared in good spirits as he entered the legal venue on Wednesday, speaking with his lawyers and making jokes. He was joined by his wife, Patrice Failor and daughter his daughter, a US lawyer who the former government dismissed.

Following the reading to the judge read his rights and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, Mr Comey was questioned if he comprehended the allegations.

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

Historical Information

The former director was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about a few months into Donald Trump's initial presidency as president. At the time, Mr Comey was directing an probe into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between Moscow and the presidential campaign.

During his tenure, James Comey triggered a backlash from Democrats when he stated just shortly prior to the national vote that he was examining political contender the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against the candidate were not filed, causing criticism from Republicans as well.

Current Allegations

Government attorneys allege the former director gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They allege he misled the upper house by claiming he had not approved someone at the agency to release to news outlets data about the agency probes.

Government lawyers also charge the defendant of "wrongfully trying to influence, obstruct and slow" the legislative group by making false statements to it.

Personal Comments

Via social media the former director shared to his online platform after he was indicted, he stated he was innocent and alleged the former president of behaving like a "dictator".

"Our household have been aware for considerable time that there are ramifications to standing up to Mr Trump," he said. "We will not live on our bended knee."

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

These allegations against the former director came after the former president published on online platforms insisting on his top legal official, the attorney general, take legal action against James Comey and other people.