One of Donald Trump's bêtes noires, former FBI Director James Comey, was indicted on Thursday for obstruction of justice, a decision immediately welcomed by the American president, whose pressure on political opponents is beginning to bear fruit.

"Today, a federal grand jury (a citizen panel with investigative powers) indicted former FBI Director James Comey on charges of leaking sensitive information," the Justice Department said in a statement.

The 64-year-old former federal police chief is being prosecuted for making false statements and obstructing justice "in connection with his oral testimony before the US Senate Judiciary Committee" in 2020, according to the department, adding that he faces up to five years in prison.

James Comey was being questioned as part of the FBI's investigation into alleged links between Russia and Donald Trump's first presidential campaign in 2016.

"JUSTICE IN AMERICA!" he rejoiced on his Truth Social network, describing James Comey as "one of the worst human beings this country has ever known."

The man quickly replied: "I'm not afraid." "Fear is the weapon of tyrants," Comey added in an Instagram video.

"My family and I have known for years the cost of opposing Donald Trump," he said, calling for people not to live "on their knees" before the president.

"I have confidence in the federal justice system and I am innocent," concluded the former FBI chief.

Since Donald Trump's return to power in January, after a campaign in which he vowed revenge on his political opponents, US authorities have launched several investigations against figures considered hostile to the Republican, including James Comey and former CIA director John Brennan.

- "Making things happen" -

The US president put pressure on the Justice Department this weekend to more quickly prosecute those who have obstructed his efforts, increasing the Democratic opposition's fears that the separation of powers could be undermined.

In July, he had already suggested that James Comey, like John Brennan, might have to answer for it.

"These are two very dishonest people. I think they are complete scoundrels and maybe they will have to pay the price," Donald Trump told reporters at the White House.

During his first term, he abruptly fired James Comey in 2017 while the FBI was investigating possible Russian interference in the 2016 presidential campaign.

In a 2019 report, the FBI concluded that there was insufficient evidence of collusion between Moscow and Donald Trump's team but noted a series of troubling pressures exerted by the president on the investigation.

While his opponents accuse him of authoritarianism, Donald Trump has made no secret of his impatience with the Justice Department's procrastination in possible prosecutions against other adversaries, including New York State Attorney General Letitia James.

The latter is accused by Housing Finance Agency chief Bill Pulte, a close associate of Donald Trump, of falsifying documents relating to mortgage loan applications.

Last week, the departure of federal prosecutor Erik Siebert was announced by the media a few hours after Donald Trump publicly called for his departure.

According to the American press, Erik Siebert had refused, due to insufficient evidence, to initiate proceedings against Letitia James and also James Comey.

Since then, Donald Trump has appointed White House adviser Lindsey Halligan in his place, saying Attorney General Pam Bondi "needs a tough prosecutor" at her side "to get things done."