A federal grand jury in the US state of Virginia has indicted former FBI Director James Comey on two charges related to his testimony to Congress.
Mr Comey, who has long drawn US President Donald Trump's criticism, is accused of lying to Congress during his September 2020 testimony over whether he authorised the leak of classified information to the media.
Responding to the indictment, Mr Comey declared himself innocent and said he had 'great confidence in the federal judicial system'.
The indictment comes days after Trump called on the country's top law enforcement official, Attorney General Pam Bondi, to more aggressively investigate his political adversaries, including Mr Comey.
The probe is being led by Lindsey Halligan, the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Mr Comey's arraignment is set for 9 October in Alexandria, Virginia, where he will face one count of making false statements and one count of obstruction of justice.
Comey is the first ex-FBI director to be indicted for a crime, and if found guilty, he faces up to five years in prison.
A lawyer for Mr Comey, Patrick Fitzgerald, stated that his client denies the charges, expressing anticipation for vindication in court.
Trump has vocally criticized Comey, labeling him as 'one of the worst human beings' and suggesting he is now facing accountability for 'crimes against our Nation'.
The indictment has sparked reactions across the political spectrum, with accusations from some Democrats that it constitutes an attack on the rule of law.
James Comey's tenure as FBI director was tumultuous, marked by significant investigations into both Trump and Clinton during the 2016 election cycle. His case highlights the contentious political climate and the intersection between justice and politics in the United States.
