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Ex- FBI chief James Comey has entered an innocent plea to giving untrue testimony to US legislators and hindering a legislative process.

Mr Comey's lawyer submitted the response acting as his counsel in a national courtroom in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.

His attorney announced he would seek to have the case terminated for multiple reasons including that his defendant, a opponent of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

Mr Comey was formally accused soon after Trump pressured his top legal official to move forward against him.

Legal Proceedings

In court on Wednesday, the defense counsel the legal representative informed the magistrate they intended to present various legal requests to throw out the proceedings before a legal hearing, arguing the prosecution was vindictive and that a federal prosecutor was wrongfully appointed to assume control of the legal matter.

The former director's legal matter was first handled by the original attorney, who left his position under pressure from Trump after his investigation into another political adversary - the New York official - failed to initiate prosecution.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey seemed in good spirits as he entered the court on Wednesday, chatting with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was accompanied by his spouse, his wife and daughter Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor who the Trump administration dismissed.

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

"Absolutely your honour. Thank you very much," he informed the judge.

Background Context

Mr Comey was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was terminated about several months into the former president's first administration as national leader. At the time, he was leading an examination into Russian election interference and whether there were any connections between Russia and the election effort.

During his tenure, Mr Comey caused a backlash from the Democratic party when he announced just shortly prior to the national vote that he was investigating political contender Hillary Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Indictments against Clinton were not filed, causing negative feedback from Republicans as well.

Present Charges

The federal government allege the former director gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the election interference investigation. They claim he deceived the Senate by saying he had not permitted an individual at the agency to leak to media organizations details about the agency probes.

Government lawyers also allege Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to influence, hinder and impede" the committee by making false statements to it.

Personal Comments

In a video the former director shared to his online platform after he was charged, he declared he was innocent and accused the former president of acting like a "tyrant".

"My family and I have known for years that there are consequences to challenging the former president," he said. "We will not live on our bended knee."

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

The charges against James Comey emerged after Donald Trump published on digital channels insisting on his top legal official, the attorney general, prosecute Mr Comey and other people.