Reply #10: CIA 'torture' lawsuit thrown out

[Robbien]

A US court has dismissed a lawsuit against a former CIA director brought by a German citizen who says he was kidnapped and tortured by the agency.

Khaled el-Masri aimed to sue ex-CIA chief George Tenet and several private companies for their alleged role in the US "extraordinary rendition" programme.

Mr el-Masri says he was picked up in Macedonia in 2003 and flown to Kabul, Afghanistan, where he alleges torture.

He has never been charged with any terrorist offences.

However, a district court judge in Virginia rejected Mr el-Masri's challenge, citing possible dangers to US security.

"While dismissal of the complaint deprives el-Masri of an American judicial forum for vindicating his claims... el-Masri's private interests must give way to the national interest in preserving state secrets," judge TS Ellis wrote.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4996140.stm