Condi leaks to lobbyist same that put low-level official 12years in prison

[dajoki]

AP
http://famulus.msnbc.com/famulusgen/ap04-21-163636.asp?t=APNEW

Rice others, leaked info to lobbyist on trial

By MATTHEW BARAKAT
ASSOCIATED PRESS


ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 21 — Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice leaked national defense information to a pro-Israel lobbyist in the same manner that landed a lower-level Pentagon official a 12-year prison sentence, the lobbyist's lawyer said Friday.
Prosecutors disputed the claim.

The allegations against Rice came as a federal judge granted a defense request to issue subpoenas sought by the defense for Rice and three other government officials in the trial of Steven Rosen and Keith Weissman. The two are former lobbyists with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee who are charged with receiving and disclosing national defense information.

Defense lawyers are asking a judge to dismiss the charges because, among other things, they believe it seeks to criminalize the type of backchannel exchanges between government officials, lobbyists and the press that are part and parcel of how Washington works.

During Friday's hearing, U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III said he is considering dismissing the government's entire case because the law used to prosecute Rosen and Weissman may be unconstitutionally vague and broad and infringe on freedom of speech.

Rosen's lawyer, Abbe Lowell, said the testimony of Rice and others is needed to show that some of the top officials in U.S. government approved of disclosing sensitive information to the defendants and that the leaks may have been authorized.

Prosecutors opposed the effort to depose Rice and the other officials. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin DiGregory also disputed Lowell's claim, saying, ''She never gave national defense information to Mr. Rosen.''
The issuance of subpoenas does not automatically require Rice or anybody else to testify or give a deposition. A recipient can seek to quash the subpoena. Calls to the State Department seeking comment Friday evening were not immediately returned.

[ShortnFiery]

1. This is big!

Or is Condi now allowed to declassify any damn thing she deems fit?

[dajoki]

3. I think the White House...

Chef can declassify if it suits them.

[TomInTib]

2. This may be AIPAC's "out".

I was wondering what it would be. There is no way DoJ wanted this trial to go to completion.

[lyonn]

8. Sounds like AIPAC has it covered

If the Rice angle for the defense doesn't work the Judge can make it happen. You are right, this is a good "out" for admin. No real harm done. sarcasm


"During Friday's hearing, U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III said he is considering dismissing the government's entire case because the law used to prosecute Rosen and Weissman may be unconstitutionally vague and broad and infringe on freedom of speech."

[babsbunny]

4. She really needs to go to prison!

Oh! My dreams are coming true!

[dajoki]

5. Ain't gonna happen n/t

[lukery]

6. others?

who were the other three?

[dajoki]

7. here's one

One of the three government officials is former Pentagon official Lawrence A. Franklin, who pleaded guilty to providing classified defense information to Rosen and Weissman and was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison.

[lukery]

9. thnx/sorry

the other?

rhode? luti? pls let it be luti

[dajoki]

10. We will see, maybe?