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Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to congressional representatives and obstructing a lawmaking procedure.

The former director's attorney submitted the plea representing him in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

His attorney declared he would seek to have the proceedings terminated for various factors including that his client, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was formally accused shortly after the former president urged his top legal official to proceed against him.

Legal Proceedings

At the proceedings on mid-week, Comey's lawyer the legal representative informed the magistrate they intended to submit multiple legal requests to terminate the case before a trial, stating the legal action was retaliatory and that a government lawyer was unlawfully assigned to take over the legal matter.

James Comey's legal matter was first overseen by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under scrutiny from Trump after his examination into a different political adversary - the New York official - failed to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey seemed in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the courtroom on Wednesday, speaking with his attorneys and making jokes. He was supported by his partner, his wife and offspring Maureen Comey, a US lawyer who the Trump administration dismissed.

Following the reading to the magistrate recite his rights and the two counts against him in court on mid-week, James Comey was questioned if he grasped the accusations.

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

Historical Information

The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was terminated about a few months into Trump's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the period, Mr Comey was directing an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between Russia and Trump's campaign.

While in office, the director caused a counter-response from the Democratic party when he stated just days before the national vote that he was investigating political contender Clinton's use of a private email server. Indictments against the candidate were not filed, leading to criticism from conservative politicians as well.

Current Allegations

The federal government assert the former director gave untrue statements to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in September 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the Clinton investigation as well as the Russia election probe. They allege he provided false information to the Senate by saying he had not authorized an individual at the FBI to leak to media organizations details about the FBI investigations.

Prosecutors also charge James Comey of "improperly attempting to affect, hinder and delay" the committee by making false statements to it.

Individual Responses

In a video the former director shared to his social media after he was charged, he stated he was wrongly accused and accused Trump of acting like a "tyrant".

"My family and I have been aware for years that there are costs to opposing Mr Trump," he stated. "We refuse to live on our bended knee."

"I am not guilty," he stated further. "So let's have a trial."

The charges against the former director came after Donald Trump posted on social media demanding his top legal official, the attorney general, take legal action against the former director and additional individuals.