Previous FBI Director James Comey Files Innocent Plea to Charges of Lying Congress

Ex- FBI director James Comey has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to US legislators and impeding a congressional proceeding.

The former director's lawyer submitted the answer representing him in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

The defense lawyer declared he would try to have the case thrown out for several reasons including that his client, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

James Comey was formally accused shortly after the former president pressured his top legal official to proceed against him.

Judicial Process

At the proceedings on mid-week, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald informed the magistrate they aimed to present various petitions to terminate the case before a court case, arguing the government's case was spiteful and that a federal prosecutor was improperly designated to take over the proceedings.

The former director's proceedings was initially managed by the original attorney, who stepped down under scrutiny from Trump after his investigation into a different rival - the New York official - was unable to initiate prosecution.

Courtroom Atmosphere

The former director came across in optimistic frame of mind as he walked into the court on mid-week, chatting with his lawyers and making jokes. He was accompanied by his partner, Mrs Failor and daughter Maureen Comey, a US lawyer who the Trump administration terminated.

Following the reading to the magistrate state his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in court on Wednesday, Mr Comey was asked if he grasped the accusations.

"Yes your honour. Thank you very much," he told the court.

Historical Information

The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013-2017 and was fired about several months into the former president's first administration as president. At the time, Mr Comey was directing an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between the Russian government and the election effort.

While in office, Mr Comey triggered a backlash from Democrats when he announced just days before the national vote that he was examining presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Charges against the candidate were not pursued, causing disapproval from conservative politicians as well.

Current Allegations

Government attorneys assert Mr Comey provided false information to Congress during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the previous examination as well as the election interference investigation. They claim he provided false information to the Senate by claiming he had not authorized someone at the agency to disclose to media organizations details about the agency probes.

Prosecutors also charge Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to affect, block and impede" the legislative group by making false statements to it.

Personal Comments

In a video Mr Comey published to his social media after he was accused, he said he was wrongly accused and charged Trump of conducting himself like a "dictator".

"My family and I have understood for years that there are consequences to standing up to Mr Trump," he said. "We refuse to live on our bended knee."

"I am not guilty," he added. "So let's have a trial."

The accusations against James Comey came after Trump shared on social media calling for his top legal official, the attorney general, charge the former director and other people.