AP: Ex-Head of Italy Intel Agency Testifies (CIA kidnap case)

[Eugene]

Ex-Head of Italy Intel Agency Testifies

By COLLEEN BARRY
The Associated Press
Monday, January 29, 2007; 11:50 AM

MILAN, Italy -- A former Italian intelligence chief who faces possible indictment
over the alleged kidnapping of an Egyptian cleric in the CIA's extraordinary rendition
program said Monday he never took part in illegal activity.

Nicolo Pollari said at a hearing that he was unable to defend himself properly,
claiming documents that would clarify his position had been excluded from the
proceedings because they contained state secrets, according to his lawyers.

-snip-

Pollari's lawyers said their client was not able to defend himself unless he revealed
information that might compromise national security. They want the proceedings
suspended and the Constitutional Court to address the question of whether his lawyers
can use the classified documents.

Pollari's defense also requested testimony from Premier Romano Prodi, former Premier
Silvio Berlusconi and other top officials.

-snip-

Full article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/29/AR2007012900564.html

[struggle4progress]

1. kick

:kick:

[struggle4progress]

2. Italian magistrates seize ex-CIA man's Milan villa (28 Jan)

By COLLEEN BARRY
Associated Press writer

MILAN, Italy -- Magistrates have seized a villa in northern Italy belonging to a former CIA station chief who faces a possible indictment in the alleged kidnapping of an Egyptian cleric, officials said Friday.

The villa in the northwestern Piedmont region belonging to Robert Seldon Lady will be held until the end of the trial. In the case of a conviction, it will be sold to pay for court costs and possibly damages to the injured party, said prosecutor Armando Spataro, who requested that the house be seized.

The order by magistrate Enrico Manzi applies to half the villa, the news agency ANSA reported, because Lady's wife is listed as co-owner, meaning authorities would be entitled to half of any sales price. Lady's former lawyer, Daria Pesce, said earlier this month that he intended to sell the villa. He is believed to be in the United States ...

http://www.jacksonholestartrib.com/articles/2007/01/28/news/world/0bb7b7923bfa34898725727000059ff0.txt