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Ex- FBI director James the ex-FBI chief has entered an innocent plea to making false statements to congressional representatives and hindering a congressional proceeding.

The former director's lawyer filed the answer representing him in a US district court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday.

Patrick Fitzgerald declared he would seek to have the proceedings terminated for multiple causes including that his the accused, a critic of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was indicted shortly after Donald Trump urged his top legal official to take action against him.

Judicial Process

In court on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Patrick Fitzgerald informed the judge they planned to present various legal requests to terminate the proceedings before a trial, arguing the legal action was vindictive and that a US attorney was unlawfully appointed to take over the proceedings.

Mr Comey's case was initially overseen by the original attorney, who left his position under influence from the former president after his investigation into another opponent - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to file indictments.

Legal Setting

Mr Comey came across in positive mood as he came into the court on mid-week, speaking with his attorneys and making jokes. He was accompanied by his partner, his wife and child Maureen, a government attorney who the previous administration terminated.

After listening to the court read his legal protections and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, the defendant was asked if he understood the accusations.

"I do your honour. Appreciate it," he stated to the judge.

Background Context

James Comey was the head of the FBI from four years and was terminated about four months into Trump's first term as president. At the time, the director was overseeing an investigation into international campaign influence and whether there were any relationships between Russia and the presidential campaign.

Throughout his leadership, the director triggered a backlash from the Democratic party when he announced just shortly prior to the national vote that he was probing political contender Clinton's use of a private email server. Legal actions against the candidate were never brought, leading to criticism from the Republican party as well.

Current Allegations

Government attorneys claim the former director provided false information to the legislature during a congressional hearing in 2020 when he was being questioned about both the previous examination as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he provided false information to the upper house by saying he had not permitted an individual at the FBI to leak to news outlets details about the government examinations.

Legal representatives also allege the defendant of "wrongfully trying to sway, hinder and slow" the panel by making false statements to it.

Personal Comments

Through a recording Mr Comey posted to his social media after he was charged, he declared he was innocent and alleged Donald Trump of conducting himself like a "dictator".

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

"I have done nothing wrong," he stated further. "Thus initiate a trial."

These allegations against Mr Comey came after the former president shared on online platforms calling for his top legal official, the attorney general, prosecute the former director and others.