The current president of the United States, Donald Trump, has managed to get the Department of Justice to file charges against his longtime political archrival James Comey, former FBI director. The charges include obstruction of justice and perjury, crimes for which Comey could face up to five years in prison.
This came just days after Trump publicly urged the attorney general to take action against those he considers his adversaries. The case is based on a statement Comey made under oath in 2020, related to leaks regarding the investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 elections.
The replacement of the original district prosecutor, who had previously determined there was insufficient evidence, by someone close to Trump, along with the urgency to file charges before the statute of limitations expired, has sparked criticism of possible political manipulation of the judicial system.
Does this mean Comey will be convicted?
Not necessarily. The filing of such charges does not imply automatic guilt against Comey, as a full legal process must follow. His defense will have the opportunity to dispute the accusations, present evidence, and challenge the charges in pursuit of acquittal.
