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Former Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to lawmakers and impeding a congressional proceeding.

His lawyer entered the plea representing him in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would attempt to have the legal matter dismissed for various factors including that his the accused, a critic of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was indicted just days after the former president urged his attorney general to take action against him.

Judicial Process

In court on Wednesday, the defense counsel Mr Fitzgerald advised the court they planned to submit various petitions to throw out the proceedings before a trial, stating the prosecution was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was wrongfully designated to assume control of the proceedings.

Mr Comey's legal matter was originally handled by the original attorney, who resigned under scrutiny from the former president after his investigation into another opponent - the New York official - failed to file indictments.

Judicial Environment

The former director seemed in good spirits as he walked into the legal venue on Wednesday, speaking with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was joined by his spouse, Mrs Failor and offspring his daughter, a government attorney who the former government terminated.

Upon hearing to the judge read his legal protections and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, Mr Comey was asked if he understood the charges.

"I do your honour. Appreciate it," he informed the judge.

Background Context

James Comey was the FBI Director from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about several months into Donald Trump's initial presidency as national leader. At the time, he was leading an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and the presidential campaign.

During his tenure, the director caused a negative reaction from Democrats when he declared just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was probing political contender Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Indictments against the candidate were never brought, resulting in negative feedback from the Republican party as well.

Current Allegations

Government attorneys assert James Comey gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a congressional hearing in September 2020 when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the election interference investigation. They say he deceived the upper house by saying he had not permitted an individual at the FBI to release to journalistic entities details about the FBI investigations.

Prosecutors also allege Mr Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to affect, block and impede" the committee by providing untrue information to it.

Public Statements

Via social media James Comey published to his social media after he was charged, he declared he was not guilty and charged Trump of acting like a "autocrat".

"We have been aware for years that there are costs to opposing the former president," he stated. "We choose not to live on our kneeling."

"I'm innocent," he stated further. "Therefore proceed with a court case."

These allegations against the former director surfaced after the former president posted on digital channels demanding his chief prosecutor, the attorney general, take legal action against Mr Comey and other people.