Former FBI Director James Comey entered a not guilty plea on Wednesday to charges brought by the US Department of Justice. The charges accuse him of providing false statements during a congressional hearing, specifically pertaining to authorizing leaks related to investigations during the first Trump administration.

In 2017, Comey assured Congress that he had not authorized any leaks, defending his testimony by stating, "I can only speak to my testimony. I stand by the testimony you summarized that I gave in May of 2017." However, recent developments have led to his indictment, with accusations that contradict his previous statements.

Comey has publicly maintained his innocence. In a recent Instagram video, he expressed his dismay and resilience, stating, "My family and I have known for years that there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump. But we couldn’t imagine ourselves living any other way... My heart is broken for the Department of Justice, but I have great confidence in the federal judicial system, and I’m innocent, so let’s have a trial."

The indictment in September follows public encouragement from Donald Trump for legal actions against Comey. Trump, expressing his frustrations online, pushed for accountability saying, "JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!"

Comey, a key figure in initiating the investigation into Trump's campaign links to Russia, was dismissed by Trump in 2017. This action came before the commencement of Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, which has been a point of contention and ongoing conflict between Trump and Comey.

The trial is scheduled for January 5. Ahead of the trial, Comey's legal team plans to file motions challenging the indictment's basis, suggesting it is a case of vindictive and selective prosecution. They are also contesting the appointment of Lindsey Halligan, a former personal attorney for Trump, as US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case continues to draw significant attention due to its high-profile figures and the contentious history between Comey and Trump. The outcome of this trial could have profound implications for all involved, highlighting ongoing tensions within the U.S. political and judicial landscapes.