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Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the ex-FBI chief has denied the charges to making false statements to lawmakers and hindering a congressional proceeding.

The former director's lawyer submitted the response on his behalf in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

Patrick Fitzgerald announced he would seek to have the case thrown out for various reasons including that his client, a detractor of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

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

Judicial Process

At the proceedings on Wednesday, the defense counsel Mr Fitzgerald told the court they intended to file various motions to dismiss the proceedings before a trial, claiming the legal action was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was improperly designated to assume control of the case.

Mr Comey's legal matter was first managed by the original attorney, who resigned under pressure from the former president after his probe into an additional political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to file indictments.

Judicial Environment

The former director appeared in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the legal venue on mid-week, conversing with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was joined by his spouse, his wife and child Maureen Comey, a US lawyer who the former government terminated.

After listening to the judge read his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in court on mid-week, the defendant was asked if he grasped the charges.

"Absolutely your honour. Thank you," he stated to the court.

Background Context

Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was terminated about several months into Donald Trump's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the period, he was leading an examination into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between Russia and the presidential campaign.

While in office, James Comey caused a counter-response from the Democratic party when he stated just days before the national vote that he was probing political contender the candidate's use of a personal email system. Charges against Hillary Clinton were not filed, resulting in negative feedback from conservative politicians as well.

Present Charges

The federal government allege the former director provided false information to Congress during a congressional hearing in September 2020 when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he misled the upper house by stating he had not permitted an individual at the agency to disclose to news outlets details about the FBI investigations.

Prosecutors also allege James Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, obstruct and delay" the committee by making false statements to it.

Public Statements

Through a recording the former director posted to his online platform after he was accused, he stated he was innocent and accused Donald Trump of acting like a "dictator".

"Our household have understood for years that there are ramifications to opposing Donald Trump," he commented. "We will not live on our kneeling."

"I have done nothing wrong," he continued. "Therefore proceed with a court case."

These allegations against Mr Comey surfaced after Trump posted on digital channels calling for his attorney general, Ms Bondi, prosecute the former director and additional individuals.