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Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James Comey has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to congressional representatives and impeding a legislative process.

His attorney submitted the answer representing him in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

The defense lawyer stated he would try to have the legal matter terminated for several reasons including that his the accused, a opponent of former President Trump, was being targeted.

James Comey was formally accused just days after Donald Trump urged his chief prosecutor to move forward against him.

Judicial Process

At the proceedings on mid-week, the defense counsel the legal representative advised the court they intended to submit several petitions to terminate the proceedings before a court case, stating the legal action was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was wrongfully assigned to take over the proceedings.

James Comey's proceedings was first overseen by the original attorney, who resigned under influence from the former president after his examination into an additional political adversary - New York Attorney General Letitia James - was unable to initiate prosecution.

Legal Setting

The former director appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the legal venue on Wednesday, chatting with his lawyers and making jokes. He was joined by his partner, Mrs Failor and child his daughter, a federal prosecutor who the former government terminated.

Following the reading to the court state his constitutional guarantees and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on mid-week, James Comey was asked if he grasped the accusations.

"Yes your honour. Thank you," he stated to the judge.

Historical Information

Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was fired about several months into Donald Trump's initial presidency as national leader. At the period, Mr Comey was directing an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and the election effort.

During his tenure, James Comey triggered a backlash from liberal politicians when he announced just days before the 2016 election that he was examining Democratic candidate Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against Clinton were not filed, causing criticism from the Republican party as well.

Current Allegations

Prosecutors allege James Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in September 2020 when he was being examined about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They claim he provided false information to the legislative body by saying he had not authorized a person at the FBI to leak to journalistic entities details about the FBI investigations.

Prosecutors also allege Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to sway, hinder and delay" the committee by making false statements to it.

Public Statements

Via social media James Comey shared to his online platform after he was accused, he stated he was not guilty and accused Trump of acting like a "dictator".

"Our household have understood for considerable time that there are costs to standing up to the former president," he stated. "We refuse to live on our kneeling."

"I'm innocent," he stated further. "Therefore proceed with a court case."

The accusations against the former director came after the former president shared on online platforms calling for his chief prosecutor, Ms Bondi, take legal action against James Comey and others.