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Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the former director has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and impeding a lawmaking procedure.

Mr Comey's legal representative filed the answer acting as his counsel in a federal court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.

The defense lawyer announced he would attempt to have the proceedings terminated for multiple reasons including that his defendant, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being singled out.

James Comey was charged just days after Donald Trump urged his top legal official to proceed against him.

Court Developments

In court on mid-week, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald advised the magistrate they aimed to file multiple petitions to terminate the case before a court case, claiming the legal action was spiteful and that a government lawyer was unlawfully designated to take over the case.

Mr Comey's legal matter was initially handled by the original attorney, who stepped down under scrutiny from Trump after his examination into an additional opponent - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey came across in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the courtroom on Wednesday, chatting with his lawyers and making jokes. He was supported by his partner, Mrs Failor and offspring Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration recently fired.

Upon hearing to the judge state his legal protections and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, the defendant was inquired if he comprehended the accusations.

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

Background Context

James Comey was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was terminated about a few months into the former president's initial presidency as commander-in-chief. At the period, the director was leading an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between Russia and Trump's campaign.

During his tenure, Mr Comey caused a backlash from liberal politicians when he announced just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was investigating presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against Hillary Clinton were not filed, causing criticism from Republicans as well.

Present Charges

Government attorneys claim James Comey lied to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in 2020 when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the election interference investigation. They say he deceived the legislative body by stating he had not authorized a person at the FBI to leak to news outlets details about the government examinations.

Legal representatives also accuse Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to affect, obstruct and delay" the panel by making false statements to it.

Individual Responses

Through a recording Mr Comey shared to his online platform after he was charged, he declared he was not guilty and charged Donald Trump of behaving like a "autocrat".

"We have known for years that there are ramifications to opposing the former president," he said. "We choose not to live on our kneeling."

"I'm innocent," he added. "So let's have a legal proceeding."

The accusations against James Comey emerged after Trump published on online platforms insisting on his attorney general, Pam Bondi, charge James Comey and others.