James Comey, the former director of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, has pleaded not guilty to making false statements to lawmakers and obstructing a congressional proceeding.
Mr Comey's lawyer entered the plea on his behalf in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, on Wednesday morning.
Patrick Fitzgerald, Comey's attorney, intends to file motions to dismiss the case, alleging that his client, a prominent critic of President Donald Trump, is being targeted.
The charges against Comey were brought shortly after Trump publicly called for action against him, highlighting the politically charged atmosphere surrounding the case.
A judge has set a trial date of January 5, 2025, in response to Comey’s request for a speedy trial.
During the court session, Fitzgerald stated that the defense would argue the prosecution is vindictive and that a US attorney was improperly appointed to oversee the case after the previous prosecutor resigned following pressure from Trump.
Comey, who served as FBI Director from 2013 to 2017, was fired by Trump amidst an investigation into Russian election interference. His tenure included controversial decisions, notably regarding the investigation into Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton's email practices.
The indictment asserts that Comey misled congressional lawmakers during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2020 regarding formal approvals related to information leaks about investigations.
In public statements following his indictment, Comey maintained his innocence, framing the charges as a consequence of standing up to Trump. My family and I have known for years that there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump, he remarked.
The upcoming trial is expected to last two to three days, as both sides prepare their evidence and witness lists.
