Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation Head James Comey Enters Not Guilty Plea to Allegations of Lying Lawmakers

Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James the ex-FBI chief has entered an innocent plea to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and hindering a congressional proceeding.

Mr Comey's legal representative submitted the response on his behalf in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.

The defense lawyer declared he would try to have the case terminated for multiple causes including that his defendant, a critic of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

James Comey was indicted just days after the former president pushed his attorney general to take action against him.

Legal Proceedings

In court on mid-week, Comey's lawyer the legal representative told the magistrate they planned to present several petitions to terminate the legal matter before a trial, claiming the government's case was vindictive and that a government lawyer was improperly appointed to handle the legal matter.

Mr Comey's legal matter was initially overseen by the original attorney, who left his position under influence from Trump after his probe into another opponent - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to bring criminal charges.

Judicial Environment

Mr Comey came across in positive mood as he entered the courtroom on Wednesday, conversing with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was supported by his partner, his wife and offspring his daughter, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration recently fired.

Following the reading to the court recite his constitutional guarantees and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, James Comey was questioned if he grasped the allegations.

"I do your honour. Appreciate it," he told the judge.

Previous Events

James Comey was the head of the FBI from four years and was dismissed about several months into Donald Trump's initial presidency as commander-in-chief. At the period, Mr Comey was overseeing an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between Russia and the presidential campaign.

During his tenure, Mr Comey triggered a backlash from Democrats when he announced just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was investigating Democratic candidate Clinton's use of a private email server. Legal actions against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, leading to negative feedback from conservative politicians as well.

Ongoing Accusations

The federal government allege the former director provided false information to Congress during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being questioned about both the previous examination as well as the election interference investigation. They say he deceived the Senate by saying he had not permitted someone at the agency to disclose to journalistic entities information about the government examinations.

Legal representatives also charge the defendant of "corruptly endeavoring to sway, hinder and impede" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.

Public Statements

Through a recording James Comey published to his online platform after he was charged, he stated he was not guilty and accused Donald Trump of conducting himself like a "tyrant".

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

"I am not guilty," he continued. "Therefore proceed with a trial."

The charges against Mr Comey emerged after Donald Trump shared on online platforms demanding his top legal official, the attorney general, prosecute the former director and other people.