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Previous FBI head James Comey has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to US legislators and impeding a congressional proceeding.

The former director's attorney submitted the plea representing him in a federal court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on mid-week.

His attorney announced he would attempt to have the proceedings dismissed for various factors including that his client, a detractor of former President Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

Mr Comey was formally accused shortly after Trump urged his chief prosecutor to take action against him.

Court Developments

In court on mid-week, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald advised the magistrate they intended to file multiple motions to dismiss the proceedings before a court case, arguing the government's case was retaliatory and that a federal prosecutor was unlawfully designated to assume control of the proceedings.

Mr Comey's case was first overseen by Erik Siebert, who stepped down under pressure from the former president after his probe into a different opponent - the New York official - did not succeed to initiate prosecution.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey seemed in good spirits as he walked into the courtroom on Wednesday, speaking with his legal team and sharing humor. He was accompanied by his partner, his wife and offspring Maureen, a US lawyer who the previous administration dismissed.

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

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

Background Context

The former director was the FBI Director from four years and was dismissed about a few months into the former president's initial presidency as president. At the moment, the director was overseeing an probe into international campaign influence and whether there were any connections between Russia and Trump's campaign.

During his tenure, Mr Comey caused a negative reaction from the Democratic party when he announced just days before the national vote that he was examining political contender Hillary Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Charges against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, leading to criticism from Republicans as well.

Present Charges

Prosecutors assert Mr Comey provided false information to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 when he was being questioned about both the previous examination as well as the Russia election probe. They allege he deceived the Senate by stating he had not approved a person at the agency to disclose to journalistic entities details about the FBI investigations.

Legal representatives also allege James Comey of "wrongfully trying to sway, hinder and slow" the panel by providing untrue information to it.

Personal Comments

In a video the former director published to his social media after he was accused, he declared he was wrongly accused and accused Trump of behaving like a "tyrant".

"Our household have known for a long time that there are consequences to standing up to the former president," he commented. "We will not live on our knees."

"I am not guilty," he added. "So let's have a legal proceeding."

The charges against the former director surfaced after Trump shared on online platforms demanding his chief prosecutor, Ms Bondi, prosecute James Comey and others.