🔗 Share this article

Former FBI head James Comey has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and hindering a congressional proceeding.

The former director's lawyer filed the response representing him in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

His attorney declared he would attempt to have the proceedings dismissed for multiple factors including that his defendant, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being targeted.

James Comey was indicted shortly after Donald Trump pressured his chief prosecutor to take action against him.

Judicial Process

In court on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Patrick Fitzgerald told the court they planned to file several motions to dismiss the case before a trial, claiming the legal action was vindictive and that a US attorney was unlawfully appointed to assume control of the proceedings.

The former director's case was initially overseen by Erik Siebert, who resigned under influence from the former president after his probe into a different political adversary - the New York official - failed to bring criminal charges.

Judicial Environment

The former director came across in positive mood as he entered the courtroom on mid-week, conversing with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was supported by his spouse, Patrice Failor and daughter his daughter, a US lawyer who the former government dismissed.

Following the reading to the magistrate read his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in court on Wednesday, the defendant was asked if he understood the allegations.

"Absolutely your honour. Appreciate it," he told the judge.

Previous Events

Mr Comey was the FBI Director from four years and was terminated about four months into the former president's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the period, Mr Comey was directing an investigation into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between Moscow and the presidential campaign.

While in office, James Comey triggered a counter-response from liberal politicians when he stated just shortly prior to the 2016 presidential election that he was investigating Democratic candidate Clinton's use of a private email server. Legal actions against Clinton were not pursued, leading to criticism from conservative politicians as well.

Present Charges

Government attorneys claim James Comey lied to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being examined about both the previous examination as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he provided false information to the legislative body by claiming he had not authorized someone at the agency to leak to journalistic entities information about the government examinations.

Legal representatives also charge the defendant of "corruptly endeavoring to affect, hinder and delay" the panel by providing untrue information to it.

Individual Responses

Through a recording James Comey published to his Instagram after he was accused, he declared he was not guilty and charged the former president of behaving like a "autocrat".

"We have been aware for years that there are costs to opposing Mr Trump," he said. "We will not live on our kneeling."

"I have done nothing wrong," he added. "Thus initiate a court case."

The accusations against the former director emerged after Donald Trump shared on online platforms insisting on his chief prosecutor, the attorney general, take legal action against the former director and additional individuals.