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Previous FBI head James the ex-FBI chief has denied the charges to giving untrue testimony to lawmakers and hindering a legislative process.

The former director's legal representative filed the answer acting as his counsel in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

The defense lawyer announced he would try to have the legal matter thrown out for multiple factors including that his client, a opponent of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

Mr Comey was formally accused soon after Donald Trump pushed his attorney general to proceed against him.

Legal Proceedings

At the proceedings on Wednesday, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald advised the judge they intended to file multiple motions to dismiss the legal matter before a legal hearing, arguing the government's case was retaliatory and that a government lawyer was improperly appointed to handle the legal matter.

The former director's legal matter was originally overseen by Erik Siebert, who left his position under scrutiny from Donald Trump after his investigation into an additional opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - was unable to file indictments.

Legal Setting

James Comey came across in optimistic frame of mind as he walked into the legal venue on Wednesday, conversing with his lawyers and making jokes. He was accompanied by his spouse, his wife and child Maureen, a government attorney who the previous administration recently fired.

Upon hearing to the court state his rights and the two counts against him in the courtroom on mid-week, Mr Comey was questioned if he grasped the charges.

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

Background Context

The former director was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was terminated about several months into Trump's initial presidency as commander-in-chief. At the period, Mr Comey was directing an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between Russia and the presidential campaign.

Throughout his leadership, James Comey caused a negative reaction from liberal politicians when he declared just immediately preceding the 2016 election that he was probing political contender the candidate's use of a private email server. Charges against Hillary Clinton were never brought, leading to criticism from Republicans as well.

Present Charges

Government attorneys claim Mr Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a congressional hearing in September 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he misled the legislative body by saying he had not approved an individual at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to release to media organizations details about the government examinations.

Legal representatives also charge Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to influence, hinder and impede" the legislative group by giving misleading testimony to it.

Public Statements

Through a recording the former director posted to his online platform after he was accused, he said he was not guilty and accused Trump of acting like a "dictator".

"We have been aware for years that there are ramifications to opposing Mr Trump," he said. "We will not live on our knees."

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

The charges against Mr Comey came after the former president published on digital channels demanding his attorney general, the attorney general, prosecute Mr Comey and others.