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Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey has entered an innocent plea to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and obstructing a legislative process.

His attorney submitted the plea representing him in a US district court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday morning.

The defense lawyer declared he would seek to have the proceedings dismissed for various reasons including that his client, a opponent of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was indicted shortly after Donald Trump pressured his chief prosecutor to take action against him.

Judicial Process

During the hearing on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Patrick Fitzgerald told the judge they planned to file multiple motions to dismiss the legal matter before a trial, arguing the prosecution was retaliatory and that a US attorney was improperly designated to assume control of the legal matter.

The former director's proceedings was originally handled by Erik Siebert, who resigned under pressure from Trump after his probe into another political adversary - New York Attorney General Letitia James - did not succeed to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey seemed in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the legal venue on Wednesday, speaking with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was supported by his partner, Patrice Failor and daughter his daughter, a US lawyer who the former government terminated.

Upon hearing to the judge state his rights and the pair of allegations against him in court on mid-week, Mr Comey was inquired if he understood the accusations.

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

Background Context

James Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from four years and was fired about a few months into Trump's first administration as president. At the time, the director was leading an probe into international campaign influence and whether there were any links between Russia and the election effort.

While in office, the director triggered a backlash from the Democratic party when he declared just immediately preceding the national vote that he was probing Democratic candidate Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against the candidate were not pursued, causing criticism from Republicans as well.

Current Allegations

Prosecutors assert James Comey lied to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in 2020 when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he provided false information to the upper house by claiming he had not permitted an individual at the agency to disclose to journalistic entities data about the agency probes.

Prosecutors also allege the defendant of "wrongfully trying to influence, hinder and slow" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.

Personal Comments

In a video Mr Comey published to his online platform after he was charged, he said he was innocent and accused the former president of conducting himself like a "autocrat".

"My family and I have known for a long time that there are ramifications to standing up to Donald Trump," he said. "We refuse to live on our kneeling."

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

These allegations against James Comey surfaced after the former president shared on social media demanding his chief prosecutor, the attorney general, charge Mr Comey and others.