🔗 Share this article

Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the former director has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to US legislators and hindering a congressional proceeding.

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

The defense lawyer declared he would attempt to have the legal matter dismissed for multiple factors including that his client, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

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

Judicial Process

In court on mid-week, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald informed the court they aimed to file various motions to throw out the proceedings before a trial, stating the government's case was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was wrongfully appointed to take over the legal matter.

Mr Comey's legal matter was first managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who stepped down under influence from Donald Trump after his examination into a different rival - the New York official - failed to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he walked into the legal venue on Wednesday, chatting with his legal team and sharing humor. He was joined by his wife, his wife and offspring Maureen, a federal prosecutor who the former government dismissed.

Following the reading to the magistrate recite his rights and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, Mr Comey was asked if he comprehended the allegations.

"Yes your honour. Thank you very much," he told the judge.

Historical Information

James Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was fired about a few months into Donald Trump's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the period, Mr Comey was overseeing an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between the Russian government and the presidential campaign.

While in office, the director caused a backlash from Democrats when he declared just immediately preceding the national vote that he was examining Democratic candidate the candidate's use of a personal email system. Indictments against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, causing disapproval from the Republican party as well.

Present Charges

Prosecutors assert James Comey lied to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he provided false information to the upper house by claiming he had not authorized an individual at the FBI to release to news outlets data about the government examinations.

Prosecutors also charge the defendant of "improperly attempting to affect, obstruct and slow" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.

Personal Comments

Through a recording Mr Comey posted to his social media after he was accused, he said he was innocent and accused the former president of behaving like a "dictator".

"We have known for considerable time that there are costs to standing up to the former president," he commented. "We refuse to live on our kneeling."

"I am not guilty," he added. "Thus initiate a legal proceeding."

The accusations against Mr Comey came after Donald Trump shared on social media demanding his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, take legal action against James Comey and additional individuals.