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Ex- FBI head James Comey has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to US legislators and obstructing a lawmaking procedure.

Mr Comey's lawyer filed the response on his behalf in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

Patrick Fitzgerald announced he would try to have the proceedings dismissed for multiple reasons including that his client, a critic of Donald Trump, was being singled out.

The former director was indicted shortly after Donald Trump pressured his chief prosecutor to proceed against him.

Court Developments

During the hearing on mid-week, Comey's lawyer Patrick Fitzgerald advised the court they intended to submit various legal requests to throw out the legal matter before a legal hearing, stating the legal action was vindictive and that a government lawyer was wrongfully designated to assume control of the proceedings.

The former director's proceedings was originally managed by the original attorney, who left his position under influence from the former president after his investigation into an additional political adversary - New York Attorney General Letitia James - was unable to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

James Comey appeared in positive mood as he came into the courtroom on Wednesday, chatting with his legal team and making jokes. He was joined by his partner, Mrs Failor and daughter Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the Trump administration terminated.

Upon hearing to the court read his legal protections and the dual charges against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, the defendant was asked if he grasped the charges.

"I do your honour. Appreciate it," he informed the proceedings.

Background Context

The former director was the chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2013 to 2017 and was fired about several months into Trump's first term as commander-in-chief. At the time, the director was leading an investigation into Russian election interference and whether there were any connections between Moscow and Trump's campaign.

Throughout his leadership, James Comey triggered a negative reaction from Democrats when he declared just days before the 2016 election that he was investigating presidential nominee the candidate's use of a personal email system. Charges against Hillary Clinton were not filed, causing disapproval from the Republican party as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Prosecutors claim James Comey gave untrue statements to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in September 2020 when he was being interrogated about both the previous examination as well as the election interference investigation. They claim he provided false information to the Senate by stating he had not permitted an individual at the FBI to disclose to media organizations data about the FBI investigations.

Legal representatives also charge James Comey of "improperly attempting to affect, obstruct and impede" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.

Personal Comments

In a video the former director published to his Instagram after he was charged, he said he was not guilty and charged Trump of behaving like a "dictator".

"We have known for considerable time that there are ramifications to standing up to Donald Trump," he stated. "We choose not to live on our bended knee."

"I have done nothing wrong," he added. "Therefore proceed with a legal proceeding."

The charges against Mr Comey came after the former president posted on digital channels insisting on his attorney general, Ms Bondi, charge the former director and additional individuals.