Former FBI Director James Comey has pleaded not guilty to charges of making false statements to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding. The plea was entered on his behalf by his attorney, Patrick Fitzgerald, during a court appearance in Alexandria, Virginia, on Wednesday.

Comey, a long-time critic of former President Donald Trump, was indicted just days after Trump publicly urged his attorney general to prosecute him. His legal team claims the case is politically motivated and has vowed to file multiple motions to dismiss.

The charges stem from Comey’s 2020 testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, where prosecutors allege he misled lawmakers about authorizing FBI leaks related to investigations into Hillary Clinton’s emails and Russian election interference. The government also accuses him of attempting to obstruct the panel’s work through false statements.

The case has drawn controversy over the rapid turnaround in prosecution, with newly appointed U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan securing an indictment just days after taking office — despite previous prosecutors declining to pursue the case due to insufficient evidence.

Comey appeared calm in court, supported by his wife and daughter, Maureen Comey, a federal prosecutor recently fired by the Trump administration. In a video posted to Instagram after the indictment, Comey insisted he is innocent and accused Trump of behaving like a “tyrant.”

A speedy trial has been scheduled for January 5, with both sides expecting proceedings to last just two to three days. The charges each carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $200,000 fine.