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

The former director's lawyer submitted the plea representing him in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.

The defense lawyer stated he would try to have the legal matter thrown out for multiple causes including that his the accused, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

James Comey was indicted soon after Trump pressured his chief prosecutor to take action against him.

Judicial Process

At the proceedings on Wednesday, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald advised the court they aimed to file multiple legal requests to terminate the legal matter before a trial, stating the government's case was spiteful and that a US attorney was wrongfully assigned to handle the legal matter.

Mr Comey's proceedings was initially managed by Erik Siebert, who stepped down under scrutiny from Trump after his investigation into an additional political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to initiate prosecution.

Legal Setting

James Comey seemed in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the legal venue on mid-week, chatting with his legal team and making jokes. He was accompanied by his partner, his wife and child his daughter, a US lawyer who the previous administration dismissed.

Upon hearing to the court read his rights and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, the defendant was asked if he understood the accusations.

"Absolutely your honour. Thank you," he informed the court.

Background Context

James Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about four months into Trump's first term as commander-in-chief. At the moment, the director was leading an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between the Russian government and the presidential campaign.

Throughout his leadership, Mr Comey caused a backlash from liberal politicians when he declared just days before the 2016 presidential election that he was investigating presidential nominee the candidate's use of a private email server. Legal actions against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, leading to criticism from the Republican party as well.

Ongoing Accusations

The federal government assert James Comey lied to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the Clinton investigation as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he deceived the legislative body by stating he had not permitted a person at the agency to leak to journalistic entities information about the FBI investigations.

Legal representatives also charge James Comey of "improperly attempting to sway, block and slow" the legislative group by giving misleading testimony to it.

Public Statements

Through a recording the former director posted to his social media after he was indicted, he declared he was not guilty and charged Trump of acting like a "dictator".

"My family and I have known for considerable time that there are costs to challenging Donald Trump," he said. "We refuse to live on our bended knee."

"I have done nothing wrong," he stated further. "Thus initiate a legal proceeding."

The charges against the former director emerged after Donald Trump shared on digital channels calling for his attorney general, Ms Bondi, prosecute Mr Comey and additional individuals.