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Former Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey has denied the charges to making false statements to congressional representatives and obstructing a lawmaking procedure.

His legal representative entered the response on his behalf in a federal court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.

The defense lawyer stated he would try to have the proceedings thrown out for various causes including that his defendant, a detractor of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

Mr Comey was formally accused just days after Donald Trump pressured his attorney general to take action against him.

Court Developments

During the hearing on mid-week, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald advised the magistrate they intended to submit several legal requests to throw out the legal matter before a trial, claiming the government's case was retaliatory and that a federal prosecutor was wrongfully designated to handle the case.

The former director's case was initially overseen by a Virginia prosecutor, who stepped down under influence from Trump after his probe into an additional rival - New York Attorney General Letitia James - was unable to bring criminal charges.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey seemed in good spirits as he came into the legal venue on mid-week, speaking with his attorneys and making jokes. He was supported by his wife, Patrice Failor and child Maureen, a government attorney who the former government recently fired.

Following the reading to the magistrate read his legal protections and the two counts against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, Mr Comey was inquired if he grasped the accusations.

"I do your honour. Thank you," he told the judge.

Background Context

James Comey was the FBI Director from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about four months into the former president's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the moment, the director was overseeing an probe into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between Russia and the election effort.

While in office, Mr Comey triggered a backlash from Democrats when he declared just days before the 2016 election that he was investigating Democratic candidate the candidate's use of a personal email system. Legal actions against the candidate were not filed, leading to criticism from conservative politicians as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Government attorneys assert James Comey gave untrue statements to Congress during a legislative proceeding in September 2020 when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the election interference investigation. They say he deceived the legislative body by stating he had not permitted someone at the FBI to release to journalistic entities data about the agency probes.

Government lawyers also allege Mr Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, block and impede" the legislative group by giving misleading testimony to it.

Personal Comments

In a video the former director posted to his Instagram after he was charged, he declared he was not guilty and charged Trump of conducting himself like a "tyrant".

"My family and I have understood for years that there are consequences to standing up to Mr Trump," he stated. "We choose not to live on our knees."

"I am not guilty," he stated further. "Thus initiate a legal proceeding."

The accusations against James Comey surfaced after Trump posted on online platforms demanding his chief prosecutor, the attorney general, take legal action against Mr Comey and others.