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Ex- FBI director James Comey has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and obstructing a lawmaking procedure.

Mr Comey's lawyer filed the plea representing him in a federal court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.

Patrick Fitzgerald announced he would seek to have the proceedings thrown out for several reasons including that his client, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was formally accused just days after Trump pushed his chief prosecutor to take action against him.

Judicial Process

At the proceedings on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald advised the magistrate they planned to file various petitions to dismiss the legal matter before a court case, claiming the legal action was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was improperly assigned to take over the proceedings.

The former director's legal matter was originally overseen by Erik Siebert, who resigned under scrutiny from Donald Trump after his examination into an additional opponent - the New York official - was unable to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey appeared in good spirits as he entered the legal venue on Wednesday, speaking with his attorneys and making jokes. He was accompanied by his wife, his wife and offspring Maureen, a US lawyer who the Trump administration dismissed.

Following the reading to the judge state his constitutional guarantees and the pair of allegations against him in court on mid-week, Mr Comey was asked if he comprehended the allegations.

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

Previous Events

Mr Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about several months into Donald Trump's initial presidency as president. At the moment, Mr Comey was leading an investigation into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between the Russian government and the presidential campaign.

While in office, the director sparked a backlash from Democrats when he declared just days before the 2016 election that he was examining political contender Hillary Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against the candidate were never brought, resulting in disapproval from the Republican party as well.

Current Allegations

Prosecutors assert James Comey provided false information to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the email probe as well as the Russia election probe. They claim he deceived the upper house by saying he had not permitted a person at the agency to release to news outlets data about the government examinations.

Legal representatives also charge James Comey of "improperly attempting to sway, block and impede" the committee by making false statements to it.

Public Statements

Via social media Mr Comey posted to his online platform after he was accused, he stated he was not guilty and alleged Trump of behaving like a "dictator".

"We have known for a long time that there are costs to opposing Mr Trump," he commented. "We choose not to live on our knees."

"I have done nothing wrong," he added. "Therefore proceed with a trial."

The accusations against the former director came after Donald Trump shared on social media calling for his top legal official, the attorney general, take legal action against James Comey and others.