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

Mr Comey's legal representative filed the answer acting as his counsel in a federal court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.

The defense lawyer declared he would try to have the legal matter dismissed for various causes including that his defendant, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was indicted just days after Donald Trump urged his chief prosecutor to proceed against him.

Legal Proceedings

At the proceedings on Wednesday, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald informed the magistrate they aimed to present various petitions to dismiss the legal matter before a court case, stating the government's case was retaliatory and that a US attorney was unlawfully appointed to take over the proceedings.

The former director's legal matter was first managed by Erik Siebert, who left his position under influence from Donald Trump after his probe into an additional rival - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to initiate prosecution.

Courtroom Atmosphere

Mr Comey appeared in good spirits as he came into the legal venue on Wednesday, conversing with his legal team and being lighthearted. He was joined by his partner, Patrice Failor and child his daughter, a government attorney who the Trump administration terminated.

Following the reading to the judge state his rights and the pair of allegations against him in court on Wednesday, the defendant was asked if he understood the charges.

"Yes your honour. Appreciate it," he stated to the court.

Previous Events

James Comey was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013-2017 and was dismissed about four months into the former president's initial presidency as commander-in-chief. At the period, the director was leading an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between Russia and the election effort.

While in office, James Comey triggered a counter-response from Democrats when he stated just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was examining presidential nominee the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Charges against Hillary Clinton were never brought, causing criticism from conservative politicians as well.

Ongoing Accusations

The federal government claim the former director lied to Congress during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being examined about both the previous examination as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They say he misled the Senate by saying he had not authorized a person at the FBI to release to journalistic entities details about the FBI investigations.

Government lawyers also charge Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to influence, obstruct and slow" the panel by making false statements to it.

Personal Comments

In a video the former director shared to his Instagram after he was charged, he stated he was innocent and alleged the former president of behaving like a "dictator".

"Our household have known for years that there are costs to opposing Mr Trump," he commented. "We refuse to live on our knees."

"I'm innocent," he added. "So let's have a court case."

These allegations against Mr Comey came after Donald Trump shared on social media calling for his top legal official, Pam Bondi, take legal action against Mr Comey and additional individuals.