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Former Federal Bureau of Investigation head James Comey has denied the charges to making false statements to lawmakers and impeding a congressional proceeding.

Mr Comey's legal representative entered the plea acting as his counsel in a US district court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.

Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would try to have the proceedings terminated for multiple reasons including that his defendant, a opponent of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was formally accused just days after the former president urged his top legal official to move forward against him.

Legal Proceedings

During the hearing on Wednesday, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald advised the magistrate they intended to file multiple petitions to dismiss the case before a trial, claiming the prosecution was spiteful and that a federal prosecutor was unlawfully designated to handle the legal matter.

The former director's proceedings was first managed by Erik Siebert, who left his position under influence from Donald Trump after his investigation into another opponent - the New York official - did not succeed to bring criminal charges.

Legal Setting

James Comey came across in good spirits as he walked into the court on Wednesday, conversing with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was joined by his wife, Patrice Failor and offspring his daughter, a government attorney who the former government recently fired.

Following the reading to the magistrate recite his rights and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, Mr Comey was questioned if he comprehended the accusations.

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

Background Context

James Comey was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was terminated about four months into the former president's first administration as commander-in-chief. At the time, the director was directing an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and the election effort.

Throughout his leadership, the director triggered a counter-response from Democrats when he stated just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was probing presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Indictments against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, leading to disapproval from Republicans as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Prosecutors allege James Comey gave untrue statements to the legislature during a legislative proceeding in September 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They say he deceived the Senate by claiming he had not permitted an individual at the agency to release to journalistic entities details about the agency probes.

Government lawyers also allege Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to affect, hinder and slow" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.

Individual Responses

Via social media James Comey posted to his Instagram after he was indicted, he declared he was wrongly accused and charged the former president of behaving like a "dictator".

"We have known for a long time that there are ramifications to opposing Mr Trump," he stated. "We choose not to live on our bended knee."

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

The charges against Mr Comey surfaced after Donald Trump shared on digital channels calling for his attorney general, Pam Bondi, prosecute James Comey and other people.