CIA Contractor Accused Of Beating Prisoner To Death, Arrested For Assaulting Girlfriend

by UK Guardian (reposted)

Fri, Mar 17, 2006 10:24PM

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - A former CIA contractor charged with beating an Afghan man who later died was released from jail Friday to help prepare his defense and was promptly arrested on charges of assaulting his former girlfriend.

David Passaro, 39, had been in jail since June, but a federal judge Tuesday agreed to release the former Army special operations soldier while he awaits trial.

He was immediately arrested on charges of domestic assault and other offenses.

Passaro's attorney Clint Rudisill said the new charges were ``totally unfounded.''

In Afghanistan, Passaro helped the U.S. military hunt terrorists, gather intelligence and train armed forces.

Authorities said he kicked and beat an Afghan suspect for two days before the prisoner died. Passaro has denied any role in the 2003 death. He is charged with assault and could get 40 years in prison. No trial date has been set.

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-5693736,00.html

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