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Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to lawmakers and hindering a congressional proceeding.

The former director's attorney filed the plea acting as his counsel in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.

His attorney stated he would try to have the legal matter dismissed for multiple reasons including that his the accused, a opponent of Donald Trump, was being targeted.

The former director was indicted shortly after the former president urged his top legal official to take action against him.

Court Developments

At the proceedings on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Patrick Fitzgerald advised the magistrate they planned to file several petitions to terminate the case before a court case, stating the prosecution was vindictive and that a government lawyer was wrongfully appointed to handle the legal matter.

Mr Comey's legal matter was first handled by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under pressure from Trump after his examination into an additional opponent - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to initiate prosecution.

Judicial Environment

Mr Comey appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the legal venue on mid-week, speaking with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Failor and offspring his daughter, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration terminated.

Upon hearing to the judge state his rights and the dual charges against him in court on mid-week, James Comey was inquired if he comprehended the accusations.

"Yes your honour. Thank you," he stated to the judge.

Previous Events

Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from four years and was fired about several months into Donald Trump's first term as president. At the time, the director was leading an investigation into Russian election interference and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and Trump's campaign.

While in office, James Comey sparked a counter-response from Democrats when he stated just shortly prior to the 2016 presidential election that he was examining political contender the candidate's use of a private email server. Charges against Clinton were not filed, resulting in disapproval from conservative politicians as well.

Present Charges

Prosecutors assert the former director gave untrue statements to Congress during a legislative proceeding in September 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the previous examination as well as the Russia election probe. They say he deceived the Senate by claiming he had not approved an individual at the FBI to disclose to media organizations information about the FBI investigations.

Prosecutors also allege Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to influence, hinder and slow" the panel by making false statements to it.

Personal Comments

In a video the former director published to his online platform after he was charged, he stated he was wrongly accused and accused the former president of acting like a "tyrant".

"My family and I have understood for considerable time that there are ramifications to challenging Mr Trump," he said. "We refuse to live on our bended knee."

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

These allegations against James Comey surfaced after the former president posted on social media demanding his chief prosecutor, Ms Bondi, prosecute Mr Comey and others.