Trump's call to prosecute Comey could bolster former FBI director's defense

(Reuters) -Donald Trump achieved a long-sought goal when federal prosecutors brought criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey, but the U.S. president's loud campaign against his adversary may have undermined the case by opening the door to a claim of vindictive prosecution. Comey pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to false statements and obstruction charges stemming from congressional testimony he gave in 2020. His lawyer, Patrick Fitzgerald, said he would seek to dismiss the indictment on the basis of "vindictive prosecution," meaning he will seek to show the charges were brought against Comey in retaliation for him exercising his legal rights.