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Former FBI chief James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and hindering a congressional proceeding.

The former director's legal representative filed the answer acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

His attorney announced he would seek to have the legal matter thrown out for multiple reasons including that his client, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being targeted.

The former director was indicted shortly after the former president pressured his attorney general to proceed against him.

Judicial Process

During the hearing on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald informed the magistrate they intended to file various legal requests to throw out the proceedings before a legal hearing, stating the prosecution was spiteful and that a federal prosecutor was improperly assigned to take over the legal matter.

The former director's legal matter was originally handled by Erik Siebert, who stepped down under influence from Trump after his examination into another rival - the New York official - did not succeed to initiate prosecution.

Judicial Environment

Mr Comey appeared in positive mood as he came into the legal venue on mid-week, speaking with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was joined by his wife, Mrs Failor and offspring Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the former government terminated.

Upon hearing to the judge state his rights and the two counts against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, James Comey was inquired if he understood the charges.

"Absolutely your honour. Appreciate it," he stated to the proceedings.

Background Context

Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was terminated about several months into the former president's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the time, the director was directing an investigation into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between Russia and the presidential campaign.

During his tenure, the director triggered a negative reaction from liberal politicians when he announced just days before the 2016 election that he was examining presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Indictments against Clinton were not pursued, resulting in disapproval from the Republican party as well.

Present Charges

The federal government allege Mr Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he misled the upper house by stating he had not approved an individual at the FBI to leak to journalistic entities details about the FBI investigations.

Government lawyers also charge James Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, hinder and delay" the legislative group by providing untrue information to it.

Public Statements

Through a recording Mr Comey posted to his online platform after he was indicted, he said he was not guilty and alleged Donald Trump of acting like a "autocrat".

"Our household have known for years that there are ramifications to opposing Mr Trump," he stated. "We choose not to live on our kneeling."

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

The accusations against Mr Comey emerged after Trump posted on digital channels insisting on his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, take legal action against James Comey and others.