Ex-FBI chief Comey faces third prosecution attempt by Trump Justice Department

The US Justice Department is pursuing a third prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey, accusing him of sharing sensitive national security information in 2016, according to newly disclosed court documents. Filed to prevent the 10-year statute of limitations from expiring, the criminal information alleges Comey transmitted and conspired to transmit classified information to a New York Times reporter in October 2016.

In an Instagram video, Comey stated, "They're back again," acknowledging the Justice Department's actions without elaborating further. Comey maintains his innocence, and his legal team has requested a judge to dismiss the case, claiming it is legally improper. This is not the first time Comey has faced legal challenges; he has already been charged twice by the Justice Department.

The first charge involved alleged lies to Congress about media leaks, while the second pertained to threatening then-President Donald Trump in a social media post. The false statements case was dismissed, but the threats case remains unresolved. Comey's attorney, Patrick Fitzgerald, dismissed the latest charges, stating that they purport to accuse Comey of crimes he did not commit.

The criminal information was filed on October 5 but unsealed on Monday at the request of Comey's legal team. A Justice Department spokesperson explained that this tactic, known as halting the statute of limitations, is "widely recognized practice in federal court." The department declined further comment, stating it is part of an ongoing criminal investigation.