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Former Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the former director has denied the charges to making false statements to congressional representatives and impeding a congressional proceeding.

Mr Comey's attorney submitted the answer acting as his counsel in a federal court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.

The defense lawyer announced he would attempt to have the legal matter thrown out for several reasons including that his client, a critic of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was charged shortly after Donald Trump pressured his chief prosecutor to take action against him.

Court Developments

At the proceedings on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer the legal representative informed the judge they aimed to present multiple legal requests to terminate the case before a legal hearing, stating the government's case was retaliatory and that a US attorney was wrongfully assigned to take over the legal matter.

Mr Comey's case was initially overseen by Erik Siebert, who resigned under pressure from Donald Trump after his probe into an additional rival - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to bring criminal charges.

Judicial Environment

James Comey appeared in good spirits as he walked into the court on Wednesday, chatting with his legal team and being lighthearted. He was joined by his wife, Mrs Failor and offspring Maureen, a US lawyer who the former government recently fired.

After listening to the magistrate read his legal protections and the pair of allegations against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, James Comey was questioned if he understood the charges.

"I do your honour. Appreciate it," he informed the proceedings.

Background Context

The former director was the FBI Director from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about a few months into Donald Trump's initial presidency as president. At the time, Mr Comey was overseeing an investigation into international campaign influence and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and the election effort.

During his tenure, the director sparked a backlash from the Democratic party when he announced just immediately preceding the 2016 election that he was examining Democratic candidate the candidate's use of a private email server. Legal actions against Clinton were not filed, leading to disapproval from Republicans as well.

Present Charges

Prosecutors assert Mr Comey gave untrue statements to the legislature during a congressional hearing in September 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the previous examination as well as the election interference investigation. They allege he deceived the upper house by stating he had not approved an individual at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to media organizations details about the agency probes.

Prosecutors also allege Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to influence, hinder and delay" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.

Public Statements

Through a recording Mr Comey posted to his online platform after he was charged, he declared he was wrongly accused and alleged Trump of conducting himself like a "autocrat".

"We have understood for a long time that there are costs to challenging the former president," he stated. "We refuse to live on our knees."

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

These allegations against the former director emerged after the former president shared on social media demanding his attorney general, Ms Bondi, take legal action against James Comey and other people.