CNN chief legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin defended former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe Andrew George McCabeJudge will not dismiss McCabe's case against DOJ Graham: Comey to testify about FBI's Russia probe, Mueller declined invitation Barr criticizes DOJ in speech declaring all agency power 'is invested in the attorney general' MORE on Thursday as the Justice Department moves forward with pressing charges against him.

Toobin, who described McCabe as a "colleague and friend," said on CNN the case is "complicated" and an "extremely unusual prosecution" after a U.S. attorney recommended moving forward with charges against McCabe, who was recently brought on as a CNN contributor.

"Lying to an inspector general is very rarely prosecuted," Toobin said. "Lying in these very esoteric circumstances where it's about this conversation, that conversation is rare."

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The comments follow the Department of Justice's (DOJ) rejection of McCabe's appeal to avert criminal charges for lacking "candor" with federal investigators. He was fired in March 2018, two days before his scheduled retirement, for allegedly not being forthcoming in investigations.

The FBI's Office of Professional Responsibility and Office of the Inspector General found McCabe revealed unauthorized information to the media about investigations into the Clinton Foundation.

DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz had said that McCabe "lacked candor — including under oath — on multiple occasions."

McCabe has filed suit against DOJ and the FBI over his ouster, alleging that it was a "politically motivated" move that stemmed from President Trump Donald John TrumpFederal prosecutor speaks out, says Barr 'has brought shame' on Justice Dept. Former Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump's No. 1 Supreme Court pick MORE's attacks against him and other DOJ officials.

Toobin said McCabe had every right to speak to reporters as the No. 2 in the FBI.

"You spoke to the reporters — months later, describe what was in the conversation that you already, that you had every right to have, at a time when he's being interviewed about a different subject," Toobin said.

He defended McCabe's record as "impeccable," describing him as "one of the most honored and successful FBI agents of his generation" and criticized the president for going on a crusade to "disparage" McCabe.

"It looks like he's going to be indicted, but good luck to the government," Toobin said.