DOJ Drops Case Against Michael Flynn's Business Partner

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is dropping its criminal case against Bijan Rafiekian, a former business partner of Michael Flynn, who was accused of illegally lobbying for the Turkish government. Rafiekian was previously convicted but had his conviction overturned and was granted a new trial. However, a recent decision by the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals criticized the approval of a new trial. The DOJ now believes it is not in the public interest to pursue the case further. Rafiekian was accused of conspiring to influence U.S. politicians against Turkish cleric Fethullah Gülen. Flynn, who admitted to making false statements in Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) filings, was expected to testify but withdrew from the trial.