The Florida grand jury also summoned Peter Strzok and Lisa Page, who worked for the FBI and exchanged critical comments about Trump in text messages, to testify under penalty of perjury. According to AP and Reuters, such calls were sent to a much larger group of people.
Citing anonymous sources, AP reports that in the coming days, up to 30 people will be summoned to testify under pain of criminal liability.
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Who was called to testify in connection with Russia's interference?
What charges were brought against the former FBI director?
How many people will be called to testify?
Are there any criminal charges regarding Russia's interference?
Investigation into Russian interference in the US elections
The Ministry of Justice initiated an investigation into the intelligence services report published in 2017 regarding Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, aimed at facilitating the victory of Trump, whose rival at that time was the Democratic candidate, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
AP emphasizes that it is not clear whether criminal charges will be brought against anyone as a result of this investigation, or any charges at all, and the very fact of initiating such an investigation underscores Trump's determination to take revenge for the findings of the intelligence services, including the FBI, which also serves as counterintelligence, which overshadowed his first term.
Multiple reports by the government, congressional committees, and special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation showed that the Kremlin was conducting a “wide-ranging” and “systemic” campaign to favor Trump and harm his rival, as well as to strengthen social divisions and undermine faith in democracy.
The Meuller report proved that the election staff welcomed the help of Russians, but was unable to demonstrate that Russian agents and Trump or people close to him conspired to tilt the election result in his favor, the AP reminds.
Former FBI Director vs. Trump
The new investigation by the Ministry of Justice is yet another such proceeding against people perceived by Trump as his opponents, the agency adds. Recently, former FBI Director James Comey was charged with lying in congressional testimony and obstructing congressional procedures.
Comey was fired by Trump at the beginning of his first presidential term in 2017 because of his investigation into Russia's ties to Trump and his people. Since then, Trump has repeatedly criticized him, and in September he publicly demanded that the attorney general bring charges against him.
Also, Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton, who became very critical of him, was accused of sharing classified information.
In April, summarizing the first 100 days of Trump's second term, the media assessed that the president focused on revenge on his opponents, critics, journalists and former employees.
