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Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the former director has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and hindering a lawmaking procedure.

The former director's attorney filed the response acting as his counsel in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

The defense lawyer announced he would attempt to have the case terminated for several causes including that his defendant, a opponent of former President Trump, was being targeted.

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

Legal Proceedings

In court on mid-week, Comey's lawyer the legal representative advised the magistrate they aimed to file multiple motions to throw out the proceedings before a legal hearing, arguing the prosecution was spiteful and that a government lawyer was improperly assigned to take over the proceedings.

Mr Comey's proceedings was initially handled by the original attorney, who resigned under influence from Donald Trump after his probe into a different opponent - NY AG Letitia James - failed to bring criminal charges.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey appeared in good spirits as he walked into the legal venue on mid-week, chatting with his attorneys and being lighthearted. He was supported by his spouse, Mrs Failor and daughter Maureen, a government attorney who the Trump administration terminated.

Following the reading to the magistrate recite his rights and the two counts against him in court on Wednesday, Mr Comey was asked if he understood the allegations.

"Yes your honour. Appreciate it," he stated to the court.

Historical Information

James Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was fired about a few months into Donald Trump's initial presidency as commander-in-chief. At the time, Mr Comey was overseeing an probe into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and Trump's campaign.

Throughout his leadership, James Comey caused a backlash from Democrats when he declared just shortly prior to the national vote that he was examining political contender Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Indictments against Clinton were not filed, causing disapproval from conservative politicians as well.

Present Charges

Prosecutors allege the former director gave untrue statements to Congress during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being examined about both the previous examination as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he misled the legislative body by claiming he had not authorized an individual at the agency to disclose to journalistic entities data about the agency probes.

Government lawyers also charge Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to affect, block and delay" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.

Personal Comments

In a video James Comey shared to his Instagram after he was charged, he said he was not guilty and accused Donald Trump of conducting himself like a "dictator".

"Our household have known for a long time that there are consequences to standing up to Mr Trump," he said. "We will not live on our kneeling."

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

The charges against James Comey surfaced after Trump posted on digital channels insisting on his chief prosecutor, Ms Bondi, prosecute Mr Comey and other people.