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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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Italian PM Fair Game in Trial Involving US Rendition

Berlusconi can be called to testify on secret matters in kidnap trial, judge rules

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(Newser) – Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi can be called to testify in the upcoming trial of US and Italian spies, an Italian judge ruled today. A CIA-led group is accused of kidnapping a suspected terrorist off the streets of Milan and torturing him for four years under the US' "extraordinary rendition" approach. Berlusconi isn’t accused of anything; instead, he’d testify regarding secret government matters.

The defense wants Berlusconi to testify about classified documents that Italy’s accused former spy chief says will prove his innocence, Reuters reports. Berlusconi became prime minister just last week, but he would still be significant as the first head of state forced to testify in a US rendition trial. His predecessor, Romano Prodi, can also be called.

Judge Oscar Magi speaks at the trial for the kidnapping of Egyptian cleric Osama Moustafa Hassan Nasr, also known as Abu Omar, in Milan, Italy, Wednesday, May 14, 2008.
Judge Oscar Magi speaks at the trial for the kidnapping of Egyptian cleric Osama Moustafa Hassan Nasr, also known as Abu Omar, in Milan, Italy, Wednesday, May 14, 2008.   (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi gestures during a session in the Lower Chamber of Parliament in Rome, Wednesday May 14, 2008.
Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi gestures during a session in the Lower Chamber of Parliament in Rome, Wednesday May 14, 2008.   (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Egyptian defense attorney Montasser al-Zayat, lawyer of Egyptian cleric Osama Moustafa Hassan Nasr, also known as Abu Omar, left, is seen at the trial in Milan, Italy, Wednesday, May 14, 2008.
Egyptian defense attorney Montasser al-Zayat, lawyer of Egyptian cleric Osama Moustafa Hassan Nasr, also known as Abu Omar, left, is seen at the trial in Milan, Italy, Wednesday, May 14, 2008.   (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Egyptian cleric Osama Hassan Mustafa Nasr, who was allegedly kidnapped by CIA agents, appears in this file photo.
Egyptian cleric Osama Hassan Mustafa Nasr, who was allegedly kidnapped by CIA agents, appears in this file photo.   (AP Photo/Amr Nabil, File)
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Quick facts on the trial
Reuters

Nasr says he's ready to sue
Reuters


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