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Former Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the ex-FBI chief has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to congressional representatives and hindering a lawmaking procedure.

The former director's legal representative entered the plea on his behalf in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

His attorney stated he would seek to have the legal matter dismissed for multiple causes including that his client, a critic of Donald Trump, was being singled out.

Mr Comey was formally accused soon after Trump pressured his attorney general to take action against him.

Court Developments

At the proceedings on Wednesday, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald told the judge they aimed to submit several motions to terminate the legal matter before a trial, stating the government's case was retaliatory and that a government lawyer was wrongfully designated to assume control of the case.

The former director's case was first managed by Erik Siebert, who resigned under scrutiny from the former president after his investigation into an additional opponent - NY AG Letitia James - was unable to initiate prosecution.

Courtroom Atmosphere

Mr Comey seemed in good spirits as he came into the courtroom on Wednesday, chatting with his lawyers and being lighthearted. He was accompanied by his partner, his wife and daughter his daughter, a US lawyer who the Trump administration recently fired.

Following the reading to the magistrate read his rights and the two counts against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, James Comey was asked if he comprehended the allegations.

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

Previous Events

Mr Comey was the head of the FBI from four years and was dismissed about four months into the former president's first term as president. At the moment, he was directing an probe into foreign election meddling and whether there were any connections between Russia and the presidential campaign.

During his tenure, James Comey caused a negative reaction from the Democratic party when he stated just immediately preceding the 2016 presidential election that he was examining political contender Hillary Clinton's use of a personal email system. Indictments against Clinton were never brought, leading to negative feedback from conservative politicians as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Prosecutors claim Mr Comey lied to US lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being examined about both the Clinton investigation as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he provided false information to the upper house by saying he had not approved a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to leak to journalistic entities information about the agency probes.

Prosecutors also allege Mr Comey of "improperly attempting to sway, hinder and slow" the panel by making false statements to it.

Individual Responses

Via social media the former director shared to his online platform after he was indicted, he stated he was not guilty and charged Donald Trump of conducting himself like a "dictator".

"My family and I have understood for years that there are costs to opposing Donald Trump," he commented. "We refuse to live on our kneeling."

"I'm innocent," he continued. "So let's have a legal proceeding."

The charges against Mr Comey came after Trump shared on digital channels insisting on his attorney general, Pam Bondi, take legal action against James Comey and additional individuals.