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Former FBI director James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to congressional representatives and impeding a congressional proceeding.

His lawyer submitted the answer on his behalf in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday morning.

His attorney stated he would seek to have the case dismissed for various causes including that his client, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

The former director was charged soon after the former president urged his top legal official to move forward against him.

Court Developments

In court on mid-week, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald advised the judge they intended to file several legal requests to terminate the case before a legal hearing, claiming the prosecution was retaliatory and that a government lawyer was wrongfully appointed to assume control of the legal matter.

Mr Comey's case was first overseen by a Virginia prosecutor, who left his position under influence from Donald Trump after his investigation into another political adversary - New York Attorney General Letitia James - failed to initiate prosecution.

Judicial Environment

The former director came across in positive mood as he came into the court on Wednesday, conversing with his attorneys and making jokes. He was supported by his partner, Patrice Failor and daughter his daughter, a government attorney who the Trump administration dismissed.

After listening to the judge state his constitutional guarantees and the two counts against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, the defendant was questioned if he understood the charges.

"Absolutely your honour. Thank you very much," he informed the court.

Previous Events

The former director was the head of the FBI from 2013-2017 and was fired about a few months into Trump's first term as commander-in-chief. At the moment, Mr Comey was overseeing an examination into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between Russia and the presidential campaign.

During his tenure, James Comey sparked a counter-response from liberal politicians when he announced just immediately preceding the 2016 election that he was investigating presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Indictments against Clinton were never brought, leading to negative feedback from Republicans as well.

Present Charges

Government attorneys assert Mr Comey lied to US lawmakers during a congressional hearing in recent years when he was being interrogated about both the Clinton investigation as well as the election interference investigation. They allege he deceived the Senate by stating he had not permitted a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to disclose to media organizations details about the agency probes.

Legal representatives also charge Mr Comey of "corruptly endeavoring to sway, block and slow" the committee by giving misleading testimony to it.

Public Statements

In a video Mr Comey shared to his Instagram after he was charged, he stated he was innocent and charged Trump of behaving like a "tyrant".

"Our household have known for a long time that there are ramifications to opposing Mr Trump," he stated. "We refuse to live on our knees."

"I have done nothing wrong," he added. "So let's have a legal proceeding."

The charges against Mr Comey surfaced after Trump published on social media calling for his attorney general, the attorney general, prosecute Mr Comey and additional individuals.