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Ex- Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the former director has entered an innocent plea to making false statements to lawmakers and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

Mr Comey's legal representative entered the response acting as his counsel in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.

Patrick Fitzgerald announced he would try to have the legal matter dismissed for various reasons including that his client, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being targeted.

James Comey was indicted soon after Trump urged his top legal official to move forward against him.

Court Developments

During the hearing on Wednesday, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald told the magistrate they intended to submit several legal requests to terminate the proceedings before a trial, arguing the legal action was vindictive and that a US attorney was unlawfully appointed to handle the legal matter.

James Comey's proceedings was initially handled by Erik Siebert, who resigned under scrutiny from the former president after his investigation into another opponent - the New York official - did not succeed to bring criminal charges.

Courtroom Atmosphere

The former director seemed in positive mood as he came into the legal venue on Wednesday, speaking with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was joined by his wife, his wife and daughter Maureen Comey, a US lawyer who the former government recently fired.

Upon hearing to the magistrate state his constitutional guarantees and the dual charges against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, Mr Comey was inquired if he grasped the accusations.

"Yes your honour. Thank you," he stated to the judge.

Background Context

Mr Comey was the FBI Director from four years and was terminated about several months into the former president's first administration as national leader. At the period, Mr Comey was directing an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and Trump's campaign.

While in office, James Comey caused a counter-response from Democrats when he announced just days before the national vote that he was probing Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Charges against the candidate were never brought, leading to criticism from conservative politicians as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Prosecutors allege James Comey lied to US lawmakers during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being examined about both the Clinton investigation as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he provided false information to the upper house by stating he had not permitted someone at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to release to journalistic entities data about the agency probes.

Government lawyers also allege the defendant of "wrongfully trying to sway, hinder and delay" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.

Public Statements

Via social media James Comey shared to his Instagram after he was charged, he said he was wrongly accused and charged the former president of acting like a "dictator".

"My family and I have known for years that there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump," he said. "We will not live on our bended knee."

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

These allegations against Mr Comey emerged after the former president posted on online platforms demanding his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, prosecute the former director and additional individuals.