Washington, 26 September 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Former FBI director James Comey has been charged by a federal grand jury following intense pressure from US President Donald Trump.

The US Department of Justice said on Thursday that the 64-year-old faces allegations of obstructing a congressional investigation into the disclosure of sensitive information and making false statements.

Comey was appointed FBI director in 2013 by then-president Barack Obama. During Trump's first term, Comey led the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 US elections, examining possible links between Moscow and members of Trump's campaign team. Trump fired Comey in 2017 while the investigation was still ongoing.

Comey denied the charges against him later on Thursday, declaring his innocence and expressing confidence in the federal court system in a video posted on Instagram.

"My heart is broken for the Department of Justice, but I have great confidence in the federal judicial system, and I'm innocent, so let's have a trial and keep the faith," he said.

Comey said he had long understood that standing up to Trump comes at a cost. "Somebody that I love dearly recently said that fear is the tool of a tyrant, and she's right, but I'm not afraid, and I hope you're not either," he said.

Speaking directly to the camera, he urged US citizens to get involved and vote, saying: "I hope ... you are paying attention, and you will vote like your beloved country depends upon it, which it does."

The indictment comes just days after Trump publicly urged his attorney general, Pam Bondi, via social media to take action against individuals he considers political enemies, complaining that much talk had occurred but little action. He explicitly named Comey.

"No one is above the law," Bondi said on X. "Today's indictment reflects this Department of Justice's commitment to holding those who abuse positions of power accountable for misleading the American people. We will follow the facts in this case."

FBI Director Kash Patel said in a post on X that the indictment highlights how previous "corrupt" leaders weaponized federal law enforcement, "damaging once proud institutions and severely eroding public trust."

Trump celebrated the charges. Posting on his platform Truth Social, he wrote: "JUSTICE IN AMERICA!" He called Comey "one of the worst human beings this Country has ever been exposed to."

US presidents traditionally place great importance on ensuring there is no doubt about the independence of the judiciary. However, Trump has already broken many of these conventions. Critics accuse him of using his presidential power to influence the justice system and law enforcement for political purposes.