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Ex- FBI chief James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

The former director's attorney filed the plea representing him in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

The defense lawyer announced he would attempt to have the legal matter thrown out for multiple factors including that his defendant, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

Mr Comey was formally accused soon after the former president urged his top legal official to move forward against him.

Legal Proceedings

At the proceedings on Wednesday, his attorney the legal representative informed the court they intended to submit several petitions to throw out the proceedings before a court case, arguing the legal action was spiteful and that a US attorney was wrongfully designated to assume control of the case.

James Comey's case was initially managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under scrutiny from Trump after his investigation into a different political adversary - New York Attorney General Letitia James - was unable to initiate prosecution.

Judicial Environment

The former director appeared in positive mood as he came into the legal venue on Wednesday, conversing with his legal team and making jokes. He was supported by his partner, Mrs Failor and child Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the former government dismissed.

Following the reading to the magistrate read his rights and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, James Comey was questioned if he comprehended the allegations.

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

Background Context

James Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about several months into Trump's first administration as president. At the time, the director was directing an probe into international campaign influence and whether there were any relationships between the Russian government and the election effort.

Throughout his leadership, the director sparked a negative reaction from Democrats when he announced just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was investigating Democratic candidate the candidate's use of a private email server. Charges against Clinton were not filed, resulting in negative feedback from Republicans as well.

Ongoing Accusations

The federal government assert the former director gave untrue statements to the legislature during a congressional hearing in 2020 when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They allege he provided false information to the upper house by stating he had not approved a person at the FBI to release to media organizations details about the FBI investigations.

Prosecutors also accuse James Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, hinder and delay" the panel by making false statements to it.

Public Statements

Through a recording James Comey posted to his social media after he was accused, he stated he was wrongly accused and alleged the former president of conducting himself like a "autocrat".

"Our household have known for a long time that there are costs to opposing Mr Trump," he commented. "We choose not to live on our bended knee."

"I have done nothing wrong," he added. "So let's have a court case."

The accusations against the former director came after the former president shared on social media insisting on his top legal official, Pam Bondi, take legal action against James Comey and others.