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Former Federal Bureau of Investigation head James the ex-FBI chief has entered an innocent plea to giving untrue testimony to lawmakers and hindering a congressional proceeding.

The former director's legal representative entered the plea representing him in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia on mid-week.

Patrick Fitzgerald stated he would try to have the legal matter dismissed for multiple factors including that his client, a detractor of Donald Trump, was being targeted.

James Comey was indicted soon after Trump pressured his top legal official to take action against him.

Legal Proceedings

During the hearing on mid-week, Comey's lawyer Mr Fitzgerald informed the magistrate they planned to present several petitions to terminate the proceedings before a court case, claiming the government's case was retaliatory and that a government lawyer was wrongfully designated to assume control of the legal matter.

Mr Comey's proceedings was first overseen by a Virginia prosecutor, who resigned under pressure from Donald Trump after his probe into a different rival - NY AG Letitia James - did not succeed to bring criminal charges.

Judicial Environment

The former director seemed in optimistic frame of mind as he came into the legal venue on Wednesday, speaking with his attorneys and sharing humor. He was accompanied by his partner, Mrs Failor and offspring his daughter, a federal prosecutor who the previous administration dismissed.

Following the reading to the court read his legal protections and the pair of allegations against him in legal proceedings on mid-week, Mr Comey was questioned if he comprehended the accusations.

"Yes your honour. Thank you very much," he told the judge.

Background Context

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

Throughout his leadership, the director triggered a counter-response from the Democratic party when he stated just days before the national vote that he was examining presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Indictments against Hillary Clinton were not pursued, leading to criticism from the Republican party as well.

Ongoing Accusations

Prosecutors allege James Comey provided false information to Congress during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in recent years when he was being questioned about both the email probe as well as the foreign influence inquiry. They allege he provided false information to the Senate by claiming he had not approved a person at the Federal Bureau of Investigation to leak to media organizations data about the government examinations.

Government lawyers also charge James Comey of "improperly attempting to influence, block and slow" the panel by giving misleading testimony to it.

Personal Comments

Through a recording the former director shared to his Instagram after he was charged, he said he was not guilty and alleged Donald Trump of behaving like a "tyrant".

"We have been aware for years that there are consequences to standing up to the former president," he said. "We will not live on our bended knee."

"I have done nothing wrong," he stated further. "Therefore proceed with a court case."

These allegations against James Comey emerged after Trump published on digital channels demanding his top legal official, the attorney general, prosecute the former director and others.