Former FBI director James Comey pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to felony charges in a case widely seen as an escalation of President Donald Trump’s campaign of retribution against political opponents.

Comey, 64, a prominent critic of the president, was indicted by a grand jury last month on charges of making false statements to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

Comey’s lawyer, Patrick Fitzgerald, entered a not guilty plea before District Judge Michael Nachmanoff during his arraignment at a federal courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia.

The judge set a trial date of Jan. 5.

A few protestors had gathered outside the court ahead of Comey’s arrival, including a man holding up a sign reading “Show Trial.”

Comey’s indictment stems from sworn testimony he gave to the Senate

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