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Ex- FBI head James Comey has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to congressional representatives and impeding a congressional proceeding.

His lawyer filed the plea on his behalf in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.

The defense lawyer stated he would try to have the case terminated for several factors including that his the accused, a opponent of President Donald Trump, was being singled out.

The former director was charged just days after Donald Trump urged his chief prosecutor to take action against him.

Judicial Process

In court on Wednesday, his attorney Mr Fitzgerald informed the magistrate they intended to present multiple petitions to dismiss the proceedings before a court case, arguing the prosecution was vindictive and that a US attorney was improperly appointed to assume control of the case.

Mr Comey's case was originally overseen by Erik Siebert, who resigned under influence from Donald Trump after his probe into another opponent - the New York official - was unable to bring criminal charges.

Legal Setting

James Comey seemed in good spirits as he entered the courtroom on Wednesday, chatting with his lawyers and sharing humor. He was joined by his partner, Mrs Failor and offspring Maureen, a government attorney who the previous administration terminated.

After listening to the judge state his constitutional guarantees and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on mid-week, Mr Comey was questioned if he grasped the accusations.

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

Background Context

Mr Comey was the FBI Director from 2013-2017 and was dismissed about four months into Trump's first term as president. At the moment, Mr Comey was directing an investigation into international campaign influence and whether there were any relationships between Moscow and the presidential campaign.

Throughout his leadership, Mr Comey triggered a negative reaction from liberal politicians when he announced just shortly prior to the 2016 election that he was examining Democratic candidate the candidate's use of a non-governmental email account. Charges against Clinton were never brought, causing criticism from Republicans as well.

Present Charges

Prosecutors allege James Comey lied to Congress during a legislative proceeding in recent years when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They allege he deceived the legislative body by stating he had not permitted an individual at the FBI to release to media organizations information about the government examinations.

Prosecutors also charge Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to influence, hinder and delay" the panel by making false statements to it.

Public Statements

In a video the former director posted to his online platform after he was indicted, he said he was innocent and alleged Trump of conducting himself like a "autocrat".

"We have understood for a long time that there are costs to challenging Mr Trump," he stated. "We will not live on our knees."

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

These allegations against the former director surfaced after Donald Trump published on social media calling for his chief prosecutor, the attorney general, charge Mr Comey and additional individuals.