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Former FBI director James the former director has pleaded not guilty to providing misleading information to lawmakers and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

His attorney entered the answer representing him in a US district court in Alexandria, Virginia on Wednesday.

The defense lawyer announced he would seek to have the legal matter terminated for various reasons including that his client, a critic of President Donald Trump, was being selectively prosecuted.

Mr Comey was charged just days after the former president urged his attorney general to take action against him.

Court Developments

During the hearing on Wednesday, his attorney the legal representative advised the court they intended to file various motions to throw out the case before a trial, stating the prosecution was spiteful and that a government lawyer was wrongfully assigned to take over the case.

The former director's legal matter was first overseen by Erik Siebert, who stepped down under pressure from Trump after his probe into an additional rival - New York Attorney General Letitia James - did not succeed to bring criminal charges.

Courtroom Atmosphere

Mr Comey appeared in good spirits as he entered the courtroom on mid-week, speaking with his lawyers and making jokes. He was supported by his wife, Patrice Failor and daughter Maureen, a US lawyer who the previous administration recently fired.

Upon hearing to the court read his constitutional guarantees and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on Wednesday, James Comey was asked if he grasped the accusations.

"Absolutely your honour. Thank you," he stated to the judge.

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 Donald Trump's first administration as president. At the period, Mr Comey was leading an investigation into Russian election interference and whether there were any links between Russia and the election effort.

During his tenure, Mr Comey triggered a counter-response from liberal politicians when he declared just days before the 2016 presidential election that he was examining presidential nominee Clinton's use of a non-governmental email account. Charges against Clinton were never brought, leading to disapproval from conservative politicians as well.

Current Allegations

Government attorneys allege the former director lied to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being examined about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They claim he misled the legislative body by stating he had not approved an individual at the agency to leak to news outlets details about the agency probes.

Prosecutors also allege James Comey of "wrongfully trying to affect, block and slow" the panel by providing untrue information to it.

Public Statements

Via social media Mr Comey posted to his social media after he was charged, he declared he was not guilty and accused Trump of acting like a "tyrant".

"My family and I have understood for a long time that there are consequences to challenging the former president," he said. "We will not live on our bended knee."

"I'm innocent," he added. "Therefore proceed with a trial."

The charges against James Comey surfaced after Trump posted on social media calling for his chief prosecutor, Pam Bondi, prosecute James Comey and additional individuals.