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Former FBI director James the former director has entered an innocent plea to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and obstructing a legislative process.

Mr Comey's lawyer filed the response representing him in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

The defense lawyer declared he would try to have the legal matter dismissed for various reasons including that his defendant, a critic of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

James Comey was formally accused just days after Donald Trump pushed his chief prosecutor to proceed against him.

Legal Proceedings

In court on mid-week, Comey's lawyer the legal representative informed the magistrate they planned to submit several legal requests to throw out the proceedings before a legal hearing, arguing the government's case was retaliatory and that a government lawyer was unlawfully designated to handle the legal matter.

The former director's legal matter was first overseen by Erik Siebert, who resigned under influence from Trump after his probe into a different rival - NY AG Letitia James - failed to file indictments.

Judicial Environment

James Comey came across in positive mood as he entered the courtroom on Wednesday, speaking with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was accompanied by his wife, Patrice Failor and offspring Maureen, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration terminated.

Upon hearing to the magistrate state his rights and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, Mr Comey was asked if he comprehended the accusations.

"Yes your honour. Appreciate it," he informed the court.

Background Context

Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was terminated about four months into Trump's first term as commander-in-chief. At the time, he was leading an probe into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between Russia and Trump's campaign.

Throughout his leadership, James Comey triggered a backlash from Democrats when he announced just immediately preceding the 2016 election that he was investigating political contender Clinton's use of a private email server. Legal actions against Clinton were never brought, leading to disapproval from Republicans as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Prosecutors assert Mr Comey provided false information to US lawmakers 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 say he misled the Senate by saying he had not approved a person at the FBI to disclose to news outlets information about the agency probes.

Prosecutors also charge James Comey of "improperly attempting to affect, obstruct and impede" the panel by providing untrue information to it.

Individual Responses

Via social media Mr Comey posted to his social media after he was indicted, he said he was innocent and accused Trump of conducting himself like a "tyrant".

"Our household have known for considerable time that there are consequences to opposing Mr Trump," he commented. "We will not live on our kneeling."

"I am not guilty," he continued. "Therefore proceed with a trial."

The charges against James Comey emerged after Trump posted on digital channels demanding his top legal official, Pam Bondi, charge the former director and other people.