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Former Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the former director has pleaded not guilty to giving untrue testimony to congressional representatives and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

His attorney entered the answer on his behalf in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

His attorney announced he would seek to have the legal matter thrown out for various reasons including that his the accused, a opponent of former President Trump, was being targeted.

The former director was charged soon after Trump urged his top legal official to move forward against him.

Judicial Process

During the hearing on mid-week, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald told the magistrate they planned to file various legal requests to dismiss the legal matter before a legal hearing, claiming the legal action was retaliatory and that a US attorney was unlawfully designated to handle the proceedings.

The former director's case was initially managed by a Virginia prosecutor, who stepped down under pressure from the former president after his probe into an additional opponent - NY AG Letitia James - failed to bring criminal charges.

Legal Setting

Mr Comey came across in positive mood as he walked into the courtroom on Wednesday, speaking with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was joined by his spouse, his wife and offspring Maureen Comey, a US lawyer who the Trump administration terminated.

Following the reading to the court recite his legal protections and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, James Comey was inquired if he understood the charges.

"Yes your honour. Appreciate it," he told the court.

Historical Information

The former director was the head of the FBI from 2013 to 2017 and was dismissed about several months into Donald Trump's initial presidency as national leader. At the moment, he was overseeing an investigation into international campaign influence and whether there were any links between Moscow and the election effort.

Throughout his leadership, Mr Comey sparked a negative reaction from liberal politicians when he stated just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was investigating political contender the candidate's use of a personal email system. Legal actions against the candidate were never brought, leading to criticism from conservative politicians as well.

Present Charges

The federal government allege the former director gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a congressional hearing in 2020 when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They allege he deceived the upper house by claiming he had not approved someone at the FBI to disclose to media organizations information about the agency probes.

Prosecutors also allege Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to sway, obstruct and delay" the committee by making false statements to it.

Public Statements

Via social media James Comey shared to his Instagram after he was charged, he stated he was innocent and accused Donald Trump of conducting himself like a "dictator".

"My family and I have known for considerable time that there are costs to challenging Mr Trump," he stated. "We refuse to live on our knees."

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

These allegations against Mr Comey surfaced after Trump posted on online platforms calling for his top legal official, Pam Bondi, charge James Comey and additional individuals.