Federal judge demands Steele Dossier source justify demand for classified material in trial

A federal judge on Monday ordered Steele Dossier source Igor Danchenko to explain his desire to present certain classified material in his trial, part of special counsel John Durham's probe into the origins of the Trump-Russia collusion narrative.

U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga gave Danchenko, a Russian analyst, one week to justify his request, according to the Washington Times. He must detail both what information he wishes to present and why it is relevant to his case.

Danchenko faces charges of repeatedly lying to the FBI about his role in creating the now-discredited dossier that ultimately prompted special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation.

Durham previously indicted Clinton campaign lawyer Michael Sussmann on charges of lying to the bureau, though a jury found Sussmann not guilty in May.

The special counsel's lead prosecutor, assistant special counsel Andrew DeFilippis withdrew from the investigation last week, with Danchenko's trial scheduled for Oct. 16.