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Previous FBI chief James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to lawmakers and impeding a legislative process.

The former director's lawyer submitted the plea acting as his counsel in a US district court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.

Patrick Fitzgerald announced he would attempt to have the proceedings terminated for multiple reasons including that his client, a opponent of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

Mr Comey was charged just days after Donald Trump pressured his chief prosecutor to take action against him.

Judicial Process

In court on mid-week, the defense counsel Mr Fitzgerald told the court they aimed to present various legal requests to dismiss the legal matter before a court case, arguing the government's case was retaliatory and that a US attorney was wrongfully appointed to take over the case.

James Comey's legal matter was originally handled by a Virginia prosecutor, who resigned under influence from Trump after his investigation into a different rival - the New York official - did not succeed to file indictments.

Legal Setting

Mr Comey came across in good spirits as he walked into the court on Wednesday, chatting with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was accompanied by his partner, Mrs Failor and child Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration dismissed.

Following the reading to the judge state his constitutional guarantees and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, the defendant was asked if he comprehended the accusations.

"Absolutely your honour. Appreciate it," he told the proceedings.

Historical Information

James Comey was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was dismissed about several months into the former president's first term as commander-in-chief. At the moment, he was overseeing an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between Russia and the election effort.

While in office, James Comey triggered a counter-response from the Democratic party when he declared just immediately preceding the national vote that he was examining presidential nominee Clinton's use of a personal email system. Indictments against the candidate were never brought, leading to criticism from the Republican party as well.

Current Allegations

The federal government claim the former director lied to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being examined about both the previous examination as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he deceived the upper house by claiming he had not approved an individual at the agency to leak to journalistic entities information about the FBI investigations.

Legal representatives also allege Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to influence, hinder and impede" the panel by providing untrue information to it.

Personal Comments

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

"My family and I have been aware for years that there are consequences to standing up to Mr Trump," he commented. "We will not live on our kneeling."

"I have done nothing wrong," he continued. "Thus initiate a court case."

The accusations against James Comey came after Trump shared on social media insisting on his attorney general, Ms Bondi, take legal action against the former director and additional individuals.