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Ex- FBI head James the former director has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to lawmakers and hindering a congressional proceeding.

The former director's attorney submitted the answer representing him in a national courtroom in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

His attorney stated he would seek to have the case terminated for multiple reasons including that his defendant, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being targeted.

James Comey was indicted shortly after Trump urged his attorney general to move forward against him.

Judicial Process

During the hearing on Wednesday, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald informed the magistrate they planned to submit various legal requests to throw out the legal matter before a court case, arguing the government's case was retaliatory and that a government lawyer was unlawfully assigned to handle the case.

James Comey's proceedings was initially managed by the original attorney, who resigned under influence from Trump after his examination into a different political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to file indictments.

Legal Setting

James Comey came across in optimistic frame of mind as he entered the courtroom on Wednesday, chatting with his legal team and making jokes. He was joined by his partner, Patrice Failor and child his daughter, a US lawyer who the former government dismissed.

After listening to the judge state his constitutional guarantees and the dual charges against him in court on mid-week, James Comey was inquired if he understood the accusations.

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

Background Context

The former director was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was terminated about several months into Donald Trump's initial presidency as national leader. At the moment, Mr Comey was leading an probe into international campaign influence and whether there were any links between the Russian government and Trump's campaign.

Throughout his leadership, the director triggered a backlash from liberal politicians when he announced just days before the 2016 election that he was examining Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Charges against the candidate were never brought, causing negative feedback from Republicans as well.

Current Allegations

Government attorneys assert Mr Comey lied to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They allege he misled the upper house by stating he had not permitted an individual at the agency to release to news outlets information about the agency probes.

Government lawyers also allege Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to influence, hinder and delay" the panel by providing untrue information to it.

Individual Responses

Via social media James Comey posted to his online platform after he was indicted, he said he was wrongly accused and charged Donald Trump of conducting himself like a "dictator".

"Our household have known for a long time that there are consequences to challenging Donald Trump," he commented. "We will not live on our kneeling."

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

The accusations against the former director surfaced after Trump shared on digital channels insisting on his attorney general, Ms Bondi, prosecute Mr Comey and other people.