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 authorized 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, who was previously Trump's personal lawyer.
Mr Comey's arraignment has been set for the morning of 9 October in Alexandria, Virginia.
He faces one count of making false statements and another of obstruction of justice, with accusations stemming from his testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding his conversations with Trump over an FBI investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
With the indictment, Comey makes history as the first ex-FBI director to face criminal charges. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison.
Comments from Trump reveal the ongoing animosity surrounding Comey's career, particularly after Trump criticized him as one of the worst human beings this Country has ever been exposed to.
The implications of this case signal a significant moment in US politics, with many viewing it as a reflection of the contentious atmosphere during Trump's tenure. Legal experts suggest that proving the charges will be a challenge, as the case heavily depends on witness credibility and the interpretation of Comey's statements under investigation.
