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Former Federal Bureau of Investigation chief James Comey has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to US legislators and hindering a congressional proceeding.

His lawyer entered the plea representing him in a US district court in the Virginia city of Alexandria on Wednesday morning.

Patrick Fitzgerald announced he would attempt to have the case dismissed for multiple reasons including that his the accused, a critic of President Donald Trump, was being targeted.

James Comey was indicted shortly after Trump pressured his attorney general to proceed against him.

Judicial Process

At the proceedings on Wednesday, his attorney Patrick Fitzgerald informed the court they intended to present several petitions to throw out the proceedings before a court case, claiming the government's case was retaliatory and that a federal prosecutor was improperly appointed to handle the legal matter.

Mr Comey's legal matter was first overseen by the original attorney, who left his position under pressure from Trump after his investigation into a different political adversary - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to file indictments.

Courtroom Atmosphere

The former director appeared in positive mood as he came into the court on mid-week, chatting with his legal team and sharing humor. He was joined by his wife, Patrice Failor and child Maureen Comey, a government attorney who the former government terminated.

Upon hearing to the magistrate state his legal protections and the two counts against him in the courtroom on Wednesday, Mr Comey was questioned if he comprehended the accusations.

"Yes your honour. Appreciate it," he informed the judge.

Background Context

James Comey was the head of the FBI from four years and was dismissed about a few months into the former president's first term as commander-in-chief. At the time, Mr Comey was directing an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any links between the Russian government and the presidential campaign.

During his tenure, the director caused a negative reaction from the Democratic party when he declared just immediately preceding the national vote that he was investigating political contender Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Legal actions against Hillary Clinton were not filed, resulting in criticism from the Republican party as well.

Present Charges

The federal government claim the former director lied to US lawmakers during a legislative proceeding in September 2020 when he was being examined about both the previous examination as well as the election interference investigation. They claim he deceived the Senate by stating he had not approved an individual at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to news outlets data about the FBI investigations.

Legal representatives also charge Mr Comey of "wrongfully trying to sway, obstruct and slow" the legislative group by providing untrue information to it.

Individual Responses

Through a recording the former director posted to his social media after he was indicted, he said he was innocent and charged Donald Trump of behaving like a "autocrat".

"We have understood for considerable time that there are costs to challenging the former president," he said. "We refuse to live on our knees."

"I'm innocent," he added. "Thus initiate a legal proceeding."

These allegations against Mr Comey came after the former president posted on online platforms calling for his attorney general, Ms Bondi, take legal action against Mr Comey and others.