Many people are persecuted during authoritarian regimes. Sometimes they go to jail, sometimes worse.
What we do know is that if you stand up to tyranny, tyranny will work extra hard to come after you.
What tyrants fear most are brave patriots. So standing up to these bullies can quite literally be dangerous.
Which is why I think that in the end, James Comey is going to come out of this being regarded as an American hero. Being brought up on fake charges by wannabe dictators is a badge of honor.
It may be true that we are best judged by our enemies. If so, then the events of the last few days have affirmed that Comey is an ethical, brave and patriotic American.