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Former FBI chief James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and impeding a congressional proceeding.

The former director's lawyer filed the answer representing him in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

The defense lawyer stated he would seek to have the case thrown out for various factors including that his defendant, a critic of President Donald Trump, was being targeted.

Mr Comey was formally accused just days after the former president pushed his chief prosecutor to move forward against him.

Judicial Process

In court on mid-week, the defense counsel Patrick Fitzgerald told the judge they planned to file multiple petitions to throw out the legal matter before a trial, stating the government's case was spiteful and that a US attorney was improperly designated to handle the legal matter.

The former director's proceedings was initially overseen by a Virginia prosecutor, who resigned under pressure from the former president after his investigation into another rival - NY AG Letitia James - failed to file indictments.

Legal Setting

The former director came across in positive mood as he walked into the legal venue on Wednesday, chatting with his attorneys and making jokes. He was supported by his partner, his wife and child Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration dismissed.

Upon hearing to the judge state his rights and the dual charges against him in court on mid-week, Mr Comey was inquired if he comprehended the accusations.

"I do your honour. Thank you very much," he stated to the proceedings.

Background Context

James Comey was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was dismissed about a few months into the former president's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the time, Mr Comey was directing an examination into international campaign influence and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and the presidential campaign.

During his tenure, the director sparked a negative reaction from the Democratic party when he stated just shortly prior to the national vote that he was examining presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against Clinton were not filed, resulting in criticism from Republicans as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Prosecutors allege James Comey gave untrue statements to the legislature during a congressional hearing in 2020 when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he deceived the upper house by stating he had not permitted a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to leak to media organizations information about the agency probes.

Government lawyers also charge James Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, block and impede" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.

Personal Comments

Through a recording the former director posted to his Instagram after he was indicted, he declared he was innocent and accused the former president of acting like a "dictator".

"We have known for considerable time that there are costs to challenging Donald Trump," he said. "We refuse to live on our knees."

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

The accusations against Mr Comey emerged after Donald Trump posted on digital channels insisting on his attorney general, Ms Bondi, charge James Comey and other people.