Previous FBI Head James Comey Files Denial Plea to Charges of Lying US Legislators

Former Federal Bureau of Investigation director James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and obstructing a legislative process.

Mr Comey's lawyer entered the response acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

Patrick Fitzgerald announced he would try to have the proceedings thrown out for several causes including that his client, a opponent of former President Trump, was being singled out.

The former director was charged shortly after Trump urged his top legal official to move forward against him.

Legal Proceedings

During the hearing on Wednesday, the defense counsel the legal representative told the court they aimed to submit several legal requests to throw out the legal matter before a trial, arguing the government's case was spiteful and that a US attorney was improperly assigned to assume control of the legal matter.

Mr Comey's legal matter was first overseen by the original attorney, who resigned under influence from Trump after his examination into an additional opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - failed to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

Mr Comey came across in good spirits as he entered the courtroom on Wednesday, chatting with his attorneys and making jokes. He was joined by his partner, his wife and offspring Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the Trump administration terminated.

Upon hearing to the judge recite his constitutional guarantees and the pair of allegations against him in the courtroom on mid-week, the defendant was asked if he comprehended the charges.

"I do your honour. Appreciate it," he stated to the court.

Background Context

Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was fired about four months into Trump's initial presidency as national leader. At the moment, the director was directing an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and Trump's campaign.

Throughout his leadership, Mr Comey caused a counter-response from Democrats when he stated just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was investigating Democratic candidate the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against Clinton were not pursued, resulting in criticism from Republicans as well.

Current Allegations

The federal government allege Mr Comey provided false information to Congress during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being examined about both the Clinton investigation as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he deceived the Senate by claiming he had not authorized a person at the agency to release to news outlets details about the agency probes.

Prosecutors also accuse James Comey of "improperly attempting to influence, block and delay" the panel by making false statements to it.

Individual Responses

In a video Mr Comey shared to his Instagram after he was indicted, he stated he was not guilty and alleged Trump of behaving like a "tyrant".

"Our household have been aware for years that there are consequences to standing up to the former president," he commented. "We choose not to live on our knees."

"I am not guilty," he stated further. "Therefore proceed with a court case."

These allegations against the former director came after Donald Trump shared on social media demanding his top legal official, the attorney general, prosecute James Comey and others.