Comey: ‘I’m innocent. So let’s have a trial’

Legal & Political Analysis - The Justice Department is targeting former FBI director James Comey, raising concerns about the rule of law [1] - Comey was indicted by a grand jury for allegedly making a false statement and obstructing Congress [2] - The indictment occurred shortly after President Trump pressured his attorney general to prosecute Comey, leading to accusations of political retribution [2] - Republicans are celebrating the indictment, while legal experts and Democrats are expressing concern [3] - Comey asserts his innocence and welcomes a trial [4] - The defense is likely to argue selective prosecution, vindictive prosecution, and overwhelming prejudicial pre-trial publicity [18][19] Procedural & Personnel Issues - The case is based on five-year-old testimony, and the statute of limitations was about to expire [9] - Lindseay Halligan, a newly appointed US attorney with no prior prosecutorial experience, brought the case before the grand jury [7][8][10] - No career prosecutor in the Justice Department signed the indictment, only Halligan [10] - Halligan's lack of experience led to awkward moments in court, including confusion over different versions of the indictment [15] - James Comey's son-in-law resigned from the Eastern District of Virginia office immediately after the indictment [17]