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Ex- FBI chief James the former director has entered an innocent plea to making false statements to US legislators and impeding a congressional proceeding.

The former director's attorney entered the response representing him in a US district court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.

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

The former director was charged shortly after Trump urged his attorney general to proceed against him.

Judicial Process

In court on mid-week, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald informed the court they aimed to present various legal requests to terminate the legal matter before a trial, arguing the legal action was vindictive and that a government lawyer was improperly assigned to take over the proceedings.

James Comey's case was originally managed by Erik Siebert, who left his position under pressure from the former president after his examination into an additional opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - failed to file indictments.

Judicial Environment

Mr Comey appeared in good spirits as he came into the court on Wednesday, conversing with his legal team and making jokes. He was joined by his wife, Patrice Failor and offspring his daughter, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration dismissed.

After listening to the court state his legal protections and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, James Comey was inquired if he comprehended the charges.

"I do your honour. Appreciate it," he stated to the judge.

Previous Events

Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was dismissed about several months into Donald Trump's first administration as national leader. At the period, he was leading an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between the Russian government and Trump's campaign.

During his tenure, James Comey sparked a backlash from Democrats when he announced just shortly prior to the 2016 presidential election that he was probing presidential nominee the candidate's use of a private email server. Legal actions against Clinton were never brought, causing disapproval from the Republican party as well.

Current Allegations

The federal government allege the former director gave untrue statements to Congress during a congressional hearing in September 2020 when he was being questioned about both the Clinton investigation as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he provided false information to the Senate by claiming he had not authorized someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to media organizations information about the government examinations.

Legal representatives also accuse the defendant of "improperly attempting to influence, block and impede" the committee by providing untrue information to it.

Individual Responses

Through a recording the former director posted to his Instagram after he was accused, he said he was innocent and alleged the former president of acting like a "tyrant".

"We have been aware for years that there are ramifications to opposing the former president," he said. "We refuse to live on our bended knee."

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

These allegations against Mr Comey surfaced after Donald Trump published on online platforms demanding his attorney general, Pam Bondi, prosecute the former director and other people.