Former FBI director James Comey pleads not guilty in his first court appearance, marking the first prosecution by the Justice Department against one of President Donald Trump's political enemies.

He has been charged with making false statements and obstructing a congressional investigation.

On Wednesday, Comey entered a not guilty plea through his lawyer at the federal courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia, to allegations that he lied to Congress five years ago, kick-starting a process of legal wrangling.

Defence lawyers will almost certainly move to get the indictment dismissed before trial, possibly by arguing the case amounts to a selective or vindictive prosecution.

The charges were brought by Trump's former personal attorney, Lindsey Halligan, who was installed last month as the US A

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