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Previous Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the ex-FBI chief has denied the charges to making false statements to US legislators and obstructing a lawmaking procedure.

Mr Comey's attorney submitted the answer on his behalf in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday morning.

Patrick Fitzgerald stated he would seek to have the proceedings terminated for various factors including that his defendant, a critic of President Donald Trump, was being singled out.

Mr Comey was formally accused shortly after Trump urged his chief prosecutor to move forward against him.

Legal Proceedings

In court on Wednesday, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald advised the judge they intended to file several petitions to throw out the legal matter before a legal hearing, stating the legal action was retaliatory and that a US attorney was improperly appointed to handle the case.

James Comey's case was initially overseen by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under scrutiny from the former president after his examination into an additional political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - failed to file indictments.

Legal Setting

Mr Comey seemed in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the legal venue on Wednesday, conversing with his lawyers and making jokes. He was supported by his spouse, his wife and child Maureen, a US lawyer who the previous administration dismissed.

Following the reading to the judge state his rights and the dual charges against him in court on Wednesday, James Comey was inquired if he grasped the allegations.

"Absolutely your honour. Thank you," he told the proceedings.

Background Context

James Comey was the head of the FBI from four years and was dismissed about four months into the former president's first term as president. At the time, the director was directing an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between Moscow and the presidential campaign.

During his tenure, James Comey caused a negative reaction from Democrats when he stated just days before the national vote that he was examining Democratic candidate the candidate's use of a private email server. Indictments against the candidate were not pursued, causing negative feedback from conservative politicians as well.

Current Allegations

Government attorneys assert the former director gave untrue statements to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee 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 Senate by stating he had not authorized a person at the FBI to leak to news outlets details about the agency probes.

Government lawyers also accuse James Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to affect, block and delay" the legislative group by giving misleading testimony to it.

Public Statements

In a video Mr Comey posted to his social media after he was accused, he stated he was innocent and charged Donald Trump of behaving like a "autocrat".

"Our household have known for years that there are ramifications to opposing Donald Trump," he said. "We choose not to live on our knees."

"I am not guilty," he continued. "So let's have a legal proceeding."

The charges against Mr Comey emerged after the former president shared on digital channels demanding his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, charge Mr Comey and additional individuals.