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Former FBI head James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to lawmakers and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

His attorney entered the answer on his behalf in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

The defense lawyer declared he would seek to have the proceedings dismissed for multiple reasons including that his defendant, a detractor of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

Mr Comey was formally accused soon after the former president pushed his top legal official to proceed against him.

Judicial Process

In court on Wednesday, the defense counsel Mr Fitzgerald advised the court they intended to submit several motions to terminate the proceedings before a legal hearing, stating the government's case was spiteful and that a federal prosecutor was wrongfully appointed to handle the case.

The former director's case was first managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under scrutiny from the former president after his probe into a different rival - New York Attorney General Letitia James - did not succeed to file indictments.

Legal Setting

Mr Comey appeared in good spirits as he entered the courtroom on mid-week, speaking with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was supported by his spouse, Patrice Failor and offspring Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the Trump administration terminated.

Following the reading to the judge recite his legal protections and the pair of allegations against him in the courtroom on mid-week, the defendant was asked if he grasped the accusations.

"Yes your honour. Thank you," he told the court.

Previous Events

Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was fired about several months into the former president's initial presidency as commander-in-chief. At the period, he was leading an investigation into Russian election interference and whether there were any connections between Russia and the election effort.

During his tenure, James Comey sparked a negative reaction from liberal politicians when he stated just shortly prior to the national vote that he was investigating presidential nominee the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Charges against Clinton were never brought, causing criticism from Republicans as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Prosecutors allege James Comey lied to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the previous examination as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he misled the legislative body by stating he had not authorized someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to media organizations details about the FBI investigations.

Prosecutors also accuse Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to affect, block and impede" the legislative group by giving misleading testimony to it.

Personal Comments

In a video James Comey shared to his social media after he was charged, he stated he was innocent and alleged Trump of acting like a "dictator".

"Our household have been aware for a long time that there are consequences to opposing Mr Trump," he stated. "We choose not to live on our bended knee."

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

The charges against the former director surfaced after the former president posted on digital channels demanding his chief prosecutor, Ms Bondi, charge James Comey and additional individuals.