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Ex- FBI director James Comey has entered an innocent plea to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and impeding a lawmaking procedure.

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

His attorney stated he would try to have the proceedings thrown out for several reasons including that his defendant, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

James Comey was indicted just days after Trump urged his chief prosecutor to take action against him.

Legal Proceedings

In court on Wednesday, the defense counsel Mr Fitzgerald told the judge they aimed to submit several legal requests to terminate the case before a trial, claiming the prosecution was spiteful and that a federal prosecutor was unlawfully designated to assume control of the case.

Mr Comey's case was initially overseen by Erik Siebert, who stepped down under pressure from Trump after his probe into an additional opponent - New York Attorney General Letitia James - did not succeed to file indictments.

Judicial Environment

James Comey came across in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the court on mid-week, speaking with his attorneys and making jokes. He was supported by his partner, Mrs Failor and child Maureen Comey, a US lawyer who the previous administration terminated.

Upon hearing to the magistrate state his legal protections and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, James Comey was asked if he comprehended the charges.

"Yes your honour. Appreciate it," he informed the proceedings.

Background Context

The former director was the head of the FBI from four years and was dismissed about four months into the former president's initial presidency as national leader. At the moment, he was leading an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between the Russian government and Trump's campaign.

Throughout his leadership, the director sparked a counter-response from the Democratic party when he declared just immediately preceding the 2016 election that he was examining Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Legal actions against the candidate were not filed, leading to negative feedback from Republicans as well.

Current Allegations

Government attorneys claim James Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being questioned about both the previous examination as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They allege he misled the legislative body by saying he had not permitted an individual at the agency to release to news outlets details about the government examinations.

Prosecutors also accuse the defendant of "corruptly endeavoring to influence, obstruct and delay" the panel by providing untrue information to it.

Public Statements

Via social media Mr Comey posted to his Instagram after he was charged, he declared he was not guilty and alleged Donald Trump of conducting himself like a "dictator".

"Our household have been aware for a long time that there are consequences to standing up to the former president," he stated. "We refuse to live on our knees."

"I am not guilty," he continued. "Thus initiate a court case."

The charges against James Comey came after the former president posted on social media insisting on his attorney general, Ms Bondi, take legal action against Mr Comey and other people.