News Groups Ask Federal Judge in N.C. to Open Docs in Alleged CIA Beating

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http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBPHCIEV6E.html

News Groups Ask Federal Judge in N.C. to Open Documents in Alleged CIA Beating

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - The News & Observer, The Associated Press and The Washington Post are asking a federal judge to unseal much of the secret prosecution of a CIA operative from North Carolina accused of beating an Afghan prisoner who died two years ago.

The news organizations filed court papers March 22 asking U.S. District Court Judge Terrence Boyle to give the public access to unclassified information in the assault case.

David Passaro, a former Special Forces soldier recruited by the CIA, is the first civilian prosecuted on charges of mistreating a military detainee in the U.S. war on terrorism.

"There's intense public interest in this case," said Amanda Martin, the lead lawyer for the news organizations. "The United States is coming under fire globally for what we're doing. It's important for the public and the world to see how we respond."

The U.S. attorney's office declined to comment.

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