CIA Agents Go On Trial Over Milan Kidnappings

CIA agents go on trial over Milan kidnapping

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/br...cle2632775.ece

Friday, June 08, 2007

Twenty-six US citizens are going on trial in Italy today accused of kidnapping an Egyptian man as part of the CIA's controversial "rendition" programme.

The Americans, all but one of whom are believed to be CIA agents, are accused of kidnapping Osama Moustafa Hassan Nasr from a street in Milan in February 2003.

The cleric, who was suspected of recruiting fighters for Islamic groups, was taken to Egypt and held in custody for four years.

After his release earlier this year, he said he was repeatedly tortured.

The defendants in the trial are being tried in absentia because they have returned to the US and Italy has not requested their extradition.

Even if it does, the Bush administration says the accused will not be sent to Rome to face justice.