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Ex- FBI chief James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to lawmakers and obstructing a legislative process.

His legal representative entered the plea on his behalf in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.

Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would seek to have the case terminated for several reasons including that his the accused, a opponent of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was formally accused just days after Donald Trump urged his top legal official to move forward against him.

Legal Proceedings

During the hearing on Wednesday, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald informed the court they aimed to file several petitions to terminate the legal matter before a legal hearing, claiming the prosecution was vindictive and that a US attorney was improperly appointed to assume control of the case.

The former director's proceedings was originally handled by Erik Siebert, who stepped down under influence from Trump after his investigation into an additional rival - the New York official - failed to file indictments.

Legal Setting

The former director appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the court on Wednesday, conversing with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was joined by his partner, Mrs Failor and child his daughter, a federal prosecutor who the former government terminated.

Following the reading to the judge state his legal protections and the two counts against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, the defendant was asked if he understood the charges.

"Absolutely your honour. Thank you very much," he stated to the court.

Background Context

The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about several months into Trump's first administration as national leader. At the moment, the director was leading an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any connections between Russia and Trump's campaign.

During his tenure, Mr Comey sparked a counter-response from liberal politicians when he announced just days before the national vote that he was investigating political contender the candidate's use of a private email server. Indictments against Hillary Clinton were never brought, leading to disapproval from conservative politicians as well.

Current Allegations

The federal government assert the former director provided false information to US lawmakers 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 provided false information to the Senate by claiming he had not approved someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to release to media organizations details about the FBI investigations.

Legal representatives also allege the defendant of "corruptly endeavoring to sway, block and slow" the committee by providing untrue information to it.

Individual Responses

Via social media the former director shared to his online platform after he was indicted, he declared he was innocent and accused the former president of conducting himself like a "autocrat".

"Our household have understood for considerable time that there are ramifications to standing up to Donald Trump," he said. "We will not live on our kneeling."

"I am not guilty," he stated further. "So let's have a legal proceeding."

These allegations against James Comey surfaced after Donald Trump posted on social media insisting on his attorney general, Ms Bondi, take legal action against the former director and other people.