Prosecution of ex-FBI chief Comey over seashell post is flawed, experts say
Legal experts argue that the criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey over an Instagram post with seashells arranged as '86 47' are flawed and likely to be dismissed on First Amendment grounds, as the image constitutes protected speech rather than a true threat. The prosecution alleges the post threatened President Donald Trump, but critics say it reflects political opposition, not violence. This case is seen as part of a broader pattern of targeting Trump’s perceived adversaries through the justice system.
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Prosecution of ex-FBI chief Comey over seashell post is flawed, experts saySign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished Apr 30, 2026, 07:08 PMUpdated Apr 30, 2026, 07:13 PMListenApril 30 - The latest criminal charges against James Comey are fundamentally flawed and will be dismissed on free speech grounds, according to legal experts, who said the former FBI director is being singled out for his criticism of President Donald Trump.The charges relate to a post Comey made on Instagram last May showing seashells arranged on a beach to form the numbers “86 47.” Prosecutors say the post threatened Trump.Comey, who appeared in court on Wednesday, a day after being indicted over the post, has said he is innocent and will fight the accusations.Comey's photo was in "bad taste"…
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