Ex- FBI Director James Comey Enters Not Guilty Plea to Accusations of Falsehoods US Legislators

Former Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the former director has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to US legislators and hindering a legislative process.

Mr Comey's attorney filed the answer acting as his counsel in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.

His attorney announced he would seek to have the legal matter dismissed for multiple reasons including that his the accused, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was indicted shortly after Donald Trump urged his top legal official to take action against him.

Court Developments

During the hearing on mid-week, Comey's lawyer the legal representative informed the court they planned to present various motions to throw out the legal matter before a trial, stating the legal action was vindictive and that a government lawyer was improperly designated to take over the legal matter.

James Comey's proceedings was first handled by the original attorney, who stepped down under influence from Trump after his probe into an additional political adversary - the New York official - did not succeed to initiate prosecution.

Judicial Environment

Mr Comey came across in positive mood as he entered the courtroom on mid-week, chatting with his legal team and being lighthearted. He was supported by his spouse, Patrice Failor and child Maureen, a federal prosecutor who the Trump administration terminated.

After listening to the magistrate read his legal protections and the two counts against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, Mr Comey was inquired if he understood the charges.

"Yes your honour. Thank you very much," he stated to the court.

Background Context

The former director was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about a few months into the former president's first term as president. At the time, he was leading an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between the Russian government and the election effort.

During his tenure, Mr Comey triggered a negative reaction from Democrats when he declared just days before the 2016 election that he was examining presidential nominee the candidate's use of a personal email system. Legal actions against the candidate were not pursued, causing criticism from the Republican party as well.

Present Charges

The federal government assert James Comey gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he provided false information to the legislative body by saying he had not approved a person at the agency to leak to news outlets details about the FBI investigations.

Legal representatives also charge James Comey of "wrongfully trying to affect, obstruct and delay" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.

Personal Comments

Via social media James Comey posted to his Instagram after he was indicted, he stated he was innocent and accused Donald Trump of behaving like a "autocrat".

"My family and I have understood for years that there are costs to opposing Mr Trump," he stated. "We will not live on our knees."

"I have done nothing wrong," he stated further. "Therefore proceed with a trial."

The charges against Mr Comey surfaced after Donald Trump published on social media insisting on his attorney general, Ms Bondi, charge James Comey and other people.