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Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to lawmakers and hindering a legislative process.

The former director's lawyer entered the plea representing him in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.

Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would attempt to have the case dismissed for various causes including that his defendant, a critic of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

James Comey was formally accused shortly after the former president urged his chief prosecutor to move forward against him.

Court Developments

During the hearing on mid-week, his attorney the legal representative told the judge they planned to file multiple legal requests to terminate the legal matter before a court case, claiming the legal action was spiteful and that a US attorney was unlawfully designated to assume control of the case.

Mr Comey's legal matter was initially overseen by the original attorney, who stepped down under pressure from the former president after his probe into another opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - did not succeed to bring criminal charges.

Judicial Environment

Mr Comey appeared in positive mood as he came into the court on Wednesday, speaking with his lawyers and making jokes. He was joined by his partner, his wife and child his daughter, a US lawyer who the Trump administration recently fired.

After listening to the judge recite his legal protections and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, James Comey was inquired if he grasped the accusations.

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

Previous Events

James Comey was the FBI Director from four years and was dismissed about several months into Trump's initial presidency as national leader. At the time, Mr Comey was leading an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any connections between Russia and Trump's campaign.

During his tenure, the director sparked a negative reaction from liberal politicians when he stated just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was examining political contender Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Indictments against Clinton were not pursued, causing disapproval from the Republican party as well.

Ongoing Accusations

The federal government allege Mr Comey lied to the legislature during a congressional hearing in 2020 when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the election interference investigation. They claim he provided false information to the Senate by claiming he had not authorized someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to leak to journalistic entities details about the government examinations.

Government lawyers also charge the defendant of "improperly attempting to influence, obstruct and slow" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.

Public Statements

Via social media Mr Comey posted to his Instagram after he was charged, he stated he was wrongly accused and alleged the former president of behaving like a "tyrant".

"Our household have been aware for a long time that there are costs to challenging the former president," he stated. "We will not live on our bended knee."

"I am not guilty," he stated further. "Thus initiate a court case."

The charges against the former director came after Trump posted on digital channels demanding his attorney general, Ms Bondi, charge the former director and additional individuals.